Entering the season, Michigan's defense didn't appear to have as much returning talent as the offense had on paper. The consensus was that they would feature an elite pass rusher and have one of the nation's better secondaries. The weaknesses were presumed to be the linebacking core and the interior of the defensive line.
So far, through two games, those groups have exceeded everyone's expectations because of their new defensive coordinator. Jay Hill has been outstanding by getting the most out of his defenders. His group has only given up one touchdown, while UTEP, Oklahoma, and Western Michigan have combined to score 151 points in all three of their wins outside of Michigan.
For his efforts in the Oklahoma upset, multiple sources have proclaimed him to be the coach of the week. Brent Venables called him one of the best coordinators in the country, and that's high praise coming from a guy who knows defense. Even Kyle Whittingham chimed in after the opener about how many few missed tackles Michigan football had in the win.
Jay Hill looks like one of college football's best defensive coordinators
Reminder
— Professor WildUte (@TheWildUte) September 12, 2026
Michigan DC Jay Hill is the best defensive coach in the nation
Hill's coaching has also raised the level of play from Troy Bowles and the linebackers. Bowles leads the team in tackles through two wins. As for the secondary, it blanketed Isaiah Sategna to just two catches and held him out of the end zone for the first time since November. While the defensive line has not allowed a rush of more than 25 yards by a running back.
No team in the country has given up fewer points against two teams that won 10 or more games last season. Hill is also off to a fast start, probably even a more notable start than either Mike Macdonald or Jesse Minter.
Hill has got to be an early favorite to win the Broyles Award as one of the top assistant coaches in America. That's how good he's been through two games with Michigan football.
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