The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/678402
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS "It's a lot [of work], but it's welcome. A couple less hours of sleep, but I don't feel different at all. There's just a lot more in- formation coming at me." The Wolverine: How much does this con- stitute a dream come true for you, being a collegiate head coach? Jordan: "It's something I've always wanted to do. You get to a point where you feel like you're prepared; you have had great mentor- ship from a lot of different people. "There are so many people to thank, I feel humbled by it. Everyone is excited about it at Milwaukee, so you want to do a great job." The Wolverine: What did you learn from Coach Beilein during your six years here? Jordan: "So much. I don't know if I can say one thing. One thing I have to do is give him a big hug and tell him I understand now … all the things you have to be accountable for in this seat. It comes at you quick. There are decisions to make. "A lot of times you're trying to get coach to hurry up, but you want to be very measured and make the right move. I'm going to let him know, 'I get it now.'" The Wolverine: What are some of the memories you'll take with you of your time in Ann Arbor? Jordan: "We had a great staff at Michigan. I loved working with those guys. That's the hardest part about moving — the friendships you build, the relation- ships you build with the players, their families, our staff here; they're family. "I'll continue to call [former U-M assistant] Bacari [Alexander] and laugh and joke … lean on [U-M assistant] Coach [Jeff ] Meyer. He's been a mentor since I started as director of operations and he was an assistant coach at Butler. We've had this relationship for so long, and those guys will continue to be friends." The Wolverine: How do you feel you're leaving the program here at Michigan? Jordan: "I'm excited about the group next year. That also makes it difficult to leave those guys … I think they've got a heck of an opportunity. I feel good about what we were able to do during my time here and think they can go above and beyond that in the future. "They've got great senior leadership, obviously Coach Beilein is leading the charge and a great staff is in place. I feel good about what we accomplished and all the people I met." — Chris Balas LAVALL JORDAN