These are turbulent times inside the Michigan football program.
Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL led to the promotion of Sherrone Moore as new head coach, a move that was sold as bringing continuity to a team that is coming off three straight Big Ten titles and a national championship.
Easy, right? Not so fast. In the last week, the Wolverines have lost their defensive coordinator (Jesse Minter), special teams coordinator (Jay Harbaugh), defensive line coach (Mike Elston) and strength coach (Ben Herbert) to the NFL. Three of the four have elected to join Harbaugh in Los Angles.
As one might anticipate, some people in the background are concerned about possible player defections given the coaching staff’s increasing losses. Kirk Campbell, the new offensive coordinator at Michigan, responded to a question this week regarding players thinking about using the transfer portal.
In this week’s “In the Trenches” episode, Campbell stated, “The grass is not always greener.” “These are case-by-case circumstances, but that doesn’t imply that a location will offer you a better opportunity.”
NCAA rules stipulate that because of Michigan’s coaching change, players on the roster have an additional 30 days to enter the portal. That deadline is Feb. 23.
So far, only one player (Reece Atteberry) has entered the portal, a sign that players are willing to listen and wait out the staff changeover. In addition to Campbell, Grant Newsome has been promoted to offensive line coach and analyst J.B. Brown has been named special teams coordinator. Michigan is also expected to retain Ron Bellamy as wide receivers coach.
“We play at the University of Michigan, the all-time winningest program in college football history,” Campbell continued. “We’re defending national champs. We got a loaded roster coming back with tons of talent all over the board. There’s no better place to be, right here, right now.”
Campbell touted returning players Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland as key fixtures to the offense, and several playmakers on defense are due back. Moore continues to interview candidates to be the next defensive coordinator, a pivotal hire given the recent departures of Minter and Elston. While Minter was the brainchild behind the unit, it was Elston who helped develop defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant — two vital pieces that were expected to return.
Even if Michigan escapes this current portal window relatively unscathed, there’s a second window set for May 1-May 15, after the conclusion of spring practice.
“Sit back, take a deep breath and let it all process,” Campbell said. “And you know that you’re in great hands, you’ve got great people leading you. You’ve got great leaders and men. It’s a great culture here. And just enjoy the ride.
