3 thoughts on new Michigan football D-line coach Lou Esposito

Michigan football didn't expect to hire another defensive line coach during the spring, but the resignation of Greg Scruggs forced the hand of Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines' new head coach.

Moore quickly identified a couple of potential candidates and a new hire was made on Friday as Lou Esposito, the former Western Michigan defensive coordinator, who was, for a few months, the Co-DC and D-line coach at Memphis, will take over as the Wolverines D-line coach.

Here are three thoughts on the move for Michigan football.

A quality move late in the cycle

It's not ideal to need an assistant coach after spring ball has started. But Sherrone more made another quality hire. A case could be made that Esposito will be a better fit for Michigan football than Scruggs.

Esposito hasn't played or coached in the NFL like Scruggs. But he's recruited and developed defensive lineman that are going to get drafted, such as Braden Fiske, who transferred to Florida State last season and is going to be a day-two pick.

Western Michigan's defense had a history of getting sacks and pressure. The Broncos had over 40 sacks in 2021 and had the second-best defense in the MAC in 2022. Those are all positive signs and this is a dude who has been around the game, in the state of Michigan, for a long time.

Another assistant with coordinating experience

Michigan football has a new defensive coordinator this season but it also has three assistant coaches on defense who have all been defensive coordinators. I believe that's going to be an asset to the coaching staff.

Wink is going to be among the highest-paid coordinators in college football. But having different perspectives and guys who have called defenses in college will be critical. It's something that could bode well for the future too if Wink decides to go back to the NFL at some point.

Solid recruiting and development

Michigan football lost a great recruiter and a great D-line coach in Mike Elston. They will need to replace that ability and Esposito is a quality candidate. Just look at the work he did recruiting and developing guys like Braden Fiske, Andre Carter, and Marshan Kneeland.

The fact that Esposito has spent over a decade coaching college football in the state of Michigan is a plus. He should help bolster in-state recruiting. He should also be solid on the development side of things as his defensive lines have always been able to get after the quarterback which is what you want from a D-line coach.

This hire might not feel like a home run, but I sure think it's a slam dunk for Sherrone Moore, especially under the time constraints.