The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1451622
MARCH 2022 THE WOLVERINE 19 Head coach Jim Harbaugh had a busier offseason than just exploring his NFL op- tions. He had to replace both of his coor- dinators, Mike Macdonald on defense and Josh Gattis on offense, and also moved some coaches around, promoting others. He took care of the offensive side of the ball first, replacing Gattis with internal pro- motions. Gattis left Feb. 6 for an opportu- nity to coordinate the Miami (Fla.) offense, reportedly telling players in a goodbye text he didn't feel appreciated by the adminis- tration. With his absence, Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss will co-coordinate the offense for the Wolverines. Moore is in his second season as co-offensive coordinator and of- fensive line coach. Weiss, meanwhile, will continue coaching the quarterbacks while adding the new duties. "Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Matt Weiss will share play-calling duties with our objective being to maximize our play- ers' talents and put them in the best position to be successful," Harbaugh said. "I am excited about the leadership and coaching of our offensive staff." Former Michigan receiver Ron Bellamy, meanwhile, will make the move to wide receivers coach after coaching safeties last year, his first with the staff. Mike Hart will add the title of run game coordinator and continue to coach running backs. "We have great chemistry among the coaches on our offen- sive staff," Harbaugh continued. "The teamwork has been excep- tional. Everyone has been integral to our offensive success, and each coach's contribution has and will continue to be valued." Jay Harbaugh moves from tight ends, which he coached last year for the second time in his tenure, to safeties. Graduate as- sistant and former U-M offensive tackle Grant Newsome gets the promotion to replace him, a reward for the work he's done with both the offensive line and tight ends. "Grant has been a positive, motivating force within our coach- ing staff since he joined us as a student assistant," Harbaugh said. "We have had a front-row seat to Grant's development as a coach and are excited that he has chosen to accept our offer to become a full-time assistant. "He is a future star in this profession, and our players really respect what Grant is teaching on the field and the insight that he shares from life experiences. We are excited to have Grant and his wife, Coco, continue as key members of the Michigan Football family." Newsome helped coach the offensive line the last two years and was also a student assistant coach helping with the tight ends for two seasons (2018-19). Jay Harbaugh will continue to coach special teams, as well. He was the Football Scoop Special Team Coordinator of the Year and one of four to earn National Special Teams Coordinator of the Year honors, presented by the MJ Morgan Group. Michigan had the nation's No. 1-ranked special teams in 2021 according to Football Outsiders. On defense, Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, another former Baltimore Ravens assistant, will replace Macdon- ald. In addition, defensive line coach Mike Elston, a former Wolverine who coached at Notre Dame from 2010-21, adds recruiting coordinator to his title. Minter emerged as a clear No. 1 on the list after former Michigan linebacker and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach Larry Foote opted to take his name out of the running. U-M also reportedly interviewed Wisconsin OLB coach Bobby April III, but Minter proved to be the guy. "Jesse comes from a football family and loves coaching and the relationships you form with your players and staff," Harbaugh said. "He will provide excellent leadership for our defense and will fit seamlessly with the coaching staff we have put together. Jesse is a teacher first, has a love and pas- sion for the game, and cares deeply for the players he coaches and works with daily. "He came highly recommended last year by my brother John, and Jesse and I have continued to have discussions and main- tain a friendship which helped bring him to Ann Arbor. We are excited to welcome Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, as well as their daughter, Millie, and sons, Monte and Mac, to our Michigan Football family." Minter expressed excitement for the opportunity. "It is an honor to be joining Coach Harbaugh's staff at Michi- gan," he said. "I am excited to work alongside our coaches in helping the players reach their maximum potential on and off the field. I look forward to building great relationships with the players and staff, and can't wait to get to work representing the program. My family and I are excited to join the Ann Arbor and university community. Go Blue!" Minter knows Macdonald's defense inside and out, and he's also got recruiting experience. Stepping up to a job like Michi- gan seemed to be the natural next step for a coach considered to be a bright young mind who cut his teeth under John Har- baugh at Baltimore. Minter joined the Ravens in 2017, working as a defensive as- sistant responsible for organizing details of quality control and self-scouting. He also conducted opponent analysis for both sides of the ball and was heavily involved with the defense. Though he worked with safeties last year at Vanderbilt, he won't coach a position at Michigan, concentrating solely on his coordinator duties. Previously, Minter spent four seasons at Georgia State as the defensive coordinator. The Panthers' defense ranked seventh nationally in pass efficiency, 19th in average yards/play and 22nd in red zone defense in 2016. Minter was named the Sun Belt Conference's top recruiter by Scout.com that year. In 2015, Minter was nominated for the Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football, for his efforts. Finally, secondary coach Steve Clinkscale was also officially elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Clinkscale's contract stipu- lated a title and bump in pay should the team meet certain criteria in the passing defense, which the Wolverines did. He was a big part of the defense's success in 2021. — Chris Balas Jim Harbaugh Replaces Coordinators, Shuffles His Staff Again Quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordi- nator Matt Weiss is one of seven assistants returning to the team for the 2020 season. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY