The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/432566
They averaged 32.2 last year, but led the nation in tackles for loss surren- dered and suffered through destruc- tive bouts of inconsistency, particu- larly in the offensive line. Hoke dismissed offensive coordi- nator Al Borges following that sea- son, bringing in Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. The move backfired, at least on the score- board, Michigan plummeting to an average of 20.9 points per game this season, No. 111 in the nation. Former Michigan offensive line coach Jerry Hanlon talked about the Wolverines never really hitting their stride there. "They had run a pro-style offense at San Diego State, and it had been very successful," Hanlon said. "But when they got here, they found out they didn't have the personnel to run that type of offense … they had a quarterback who wouldn't stay in the pocket. "They took what they had and tried to mix it and tried to build it from there. They never, ever settled on any one particular offense. I don't think they ever developed what they really wanted to do in the way of an offense." Hoke and his coaches are gone, with former U-M assistant coach and present athletic department employee Mike DeBord oversee- ing the day-to-day operations of the program. That situation will change quickly, with the coaching search in full operation. Hackett said, "My objective is to find the right coach for the University of Michigan, an indi- vidual who will recruit the best student-athletes and put them into a position to win in the classroom, on the field and in the community," PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL