The Wolverine

August 2017

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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AUGUST 2017 THE WOLVERINE 9 BY JOHN BORTON J ohn Beilein found himself looking for a pair of new coaches when June gave way to July. Longtime assistant Jeff Meyer and one-year assistant Billy Donlon took other jobs in the early summer. Meyer, on hand the past nine seasons through Big Ten championships and a trip to the NCAA title game, headed to Butler for a reunion with former U-M assistant LaVall Jordan, the Bulldogs' new boss. Donlon, who helped guide the Wolverines to a Big Ten Tournament title and the NCAA Sweet 16 this past year, took a job at North- western. "Jeff Meyer has been a huge part of our success in the nine years he has been with us," Beilein said. "It is not a coincidence that we won three Big Ten championships and went to seven NCAA Tournaments during that span. He and his wife, Karen, will be missed but not forgotten. "We thank them for their dedication and hard work, and wish the Meyer family much success at Butler and beyond." The 63-year-old Meyer noted of his departure to the state of Indiana: "We have family there, No. 1. … It was just the right time." It wasn't a move he made lightly either, Meyer stressed. "Nine years," he said. "It was so fulfilling. Karen and I appreciated the opportunity we had with Coach Beilein so much." Beilein hired Meyer in 2008, following the Kelvin Samp- son scandal at Indiana, a situation that cost Sampson his job but for which Meyer was not accused of anything illicit. Meanwhile, Beilein had endured a rocky 10-22 season upon coming to Ann Arbor. The two were about to team up for some serious success. "Out of all that, Coach Beilein throws a professional lifeline," Meyer recalled in 2010. "He said, 'We've had a tough first year here. We could use your experience. I know you're a man of integrity and character, and that you were in the wrong situation at the wrong time.' "If want to stay in college coaching, you've got to have a friend, someone that knows you, believes in you and trusts you to help you at that point in time." Jordan, meanwhile, is happy to have Meyer aboard, in a place where both previously coached. "Jeff has been a mentor to me for many years, and is a dear friend," Jordan said. "He's been in this business for a long time and has had success at every stop, including 16 seasons as a head coach. Jeff appreciates what makes Butler special and brings a résumé as a strong recruiter and developer of talent. "Having him one seat down from me on the bench will have a profound impact on our program." Beilein and Donlon also released statements regard- ing their parting of ways, following a year that took the Wolverines to the brink of the Elite Eight. "We are obviously disappointed to be losing Billy, how- ever, we are happy he has the opportunity to be closer to his family, home and still coach in the Big Ten," Beilein said. "He is one heck of a coach who has been a great asset to our program over this past year. Over many years, Billy Inside Michigan ATHLETICS Michigan Seeking Two For John Beilein's Staff After nine years in Ann Arbor, Jeff Meyer is headed to Indianapolis to work with former U-M assistant and new Butler head coach LaVall Jordan. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN

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