The football program announced new coaching responsibilities yesterday, and most of the changes come on defense, where nobody has the same responsibility he had last year. The only change on offense is the hiring of Doug Nussmeier to replace Al Borges's duties.
Head coach: Brady Hoke
Offensive coordinator, Quarterbacks: Doug Nussmeier
Running backs: Fred Jackson
Wide receivers: Jeff Hecklinski
Tight ends, Special teams: Dan Ferrigno
Offensive line: Darrell Funk
Defensive coordinator, Linebackers: Greg Mattison
Defensive line: Mark Smith
Cornerbacks: Roy Manning
Safeties: Curt Mallory
Offensive grad assistant (tight ends): Kevin Koger
Offensive grad assistant (offensive line): Michael Switzer
Defensive grad assistant (defensive line): Ernie Lawson
Defensive grad assistant (linebackers): Jerry Milling
The moves on D make sense. Smith has coached D-line before. Mattison has coached LBs before, and I like the idea of the D coordinator teaching the guys who are going to run the D. The only move that is puzzling is Manning coaching the CBs. Don't think he has experience there, but maybe his football knowledge is just that vast, and they want his personality working with that group.
ReplyDeleteManning is showing signs of being a better than solid recruiter and needs a position group. He likely has aspirations of being the head guy someday and is maybe getting a little grooming, having moved around the defense some can't hurt in that pursuit.
DeleteMallory will be pointing and clicking.
I always thought it odd the way we were set up, with really, three D line coaches, two LB coaches and one guy coaching the secondary. This is a much more balanced approach.
Def a more balanced approach. I am not sure how good Manning is w/ CBs, but most coaches can coach multiple positions so I am trusting Hoke and Mattison's judgment. I always thought Mark Smith was a solid coach w/ solid personality. Hopely he can get the DL guys going.
DeleteJust heard Ryan is switching to MIKE. Not sure what Hoke is thinking there. Thunder, what are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on this? Does it matter?
ReplyDeleteMagnus, per the MGoBlog discussion, do you know of any other teams that separate out CB and safety when it comes to coaching responsibilities?
ReplyDeleteYes. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but it's not uncommon. Michigan also did that when Shafer and Gibson were here. That may not inspire confidence in the setup, I guess, but it happens. I think it's just as viable a strategy as giving the ILB's to one guy and the OLB's to another.
DeleteILB-OLB setup was something I didn't understand at all. Why waste a coach to just coach one guy (ILB)? S-CB division makes a lot more sense as their roles are more different imo.
DeleteThis is interesting ... over at mgoblue.com they have the staff page updated with a lot more than just the coaches.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/coaches-m-footbl.html
It looks like it's been updated with the recent changes.
Also, under Brady Hoke, his title is "J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach". Someone must have donated a boatload of money to get their name as part of the HC's title. :-)