Michigan Thursday: Tale of The Tape - New Coaches Edition

If you have been reading and following this blog for a long time, you know I used to do Tale of the Tape for Michigan vs. the opponent that weekend.   I tried a new approach this year in writing Jimmy letters, which clearly was the reason they won a Big Ten Title.  😃

Now it's time to review all the staff changes and if it was a positive or negative to Michigan Football moving forward.  

Jim Harbaugh 2021 vs. Jim Harbaugh 2022 = Harbaugh 2021

Jimmy has seemingly had the NFL in the back of his mind for a long time.  If he is truly committed to Michigan Football for as long as they will have him, that is a huge positive.   If the Patriots come calling when Belichick retires then it's a negative.   I'm assuming this NFL coaching hiring process proved to him where home is.  Either way, the best Harbaugh is the one that has something to prove.  Not sure he can beat Harbaugh 21 but I hope he can.  

DC: Mike Macdonald vs. Jesse Minter = Push

When Coach Mac turned in his one-year lease on Michigan's Defense, I was concerned that any hire was going to be negative, but Jimmy found his schematic doppelganger and a guy that likes to recruit.  This one is so close, you could give both a win, so we go with a push. 

OC: Gattis vs. Weiss = Weiss 

I like Josh Gattis and I'm not turning down $2M a year in salary either.  Michigan was running Harbaugh's offense last season and Jimmy loved what Matt Weiss brought to the table.    Congrats to Josh on the award and a bag of cash but Speed in Space never left the ground.  

DL: Nua vs. Elston = Elston

Shaun had a bit of a roller coaster ride at Michigan.  He recruited poorly and then recruited well.   His unit performed poorly and then played really well this past season.   I think he is a good coach that still developing.   We know Mike Elston is a good DL coach and former Wolverine.   Big win for Big Mike. 

TE: Jay Harbaugh vs. Grant Newsome = Newsome 

Both guys are still on staff, so this isn't really a fair match-up.   This is Grant's first on field job and Jimmy loves him and it was rumored he was taking Grant to the Vikings with him.  I love Grant is getting this role and we know what Jay can do.  The Michigan TE's will really know how to block! 

New But Different Roles:

Ron Bellamy goes from Safeties to WR = WR   

This is Ron's natural position to coach.  This is a win for Michigan's WR.  

Jay Harbaugh from TE to Special Teams Coordinator. 

Michigan had really good Special Teams last season and Jay will need to continue that level.  He also will have safeties, but this is a Minter specialty and guessing Jay will have a limited role. 

Same Roles

Sherrone Moore is still Co-OC and Offensive Line coach.  Did a tremendous job. 

Steve Clickscale got promoted to Co-DC and will continue to coach CB's. Did a tremendous job. 

Mike Hart got promoted to Run Game Coordinator and still RB Coach.  Hopefully this shuts down his NFL interest.  Great year 1 for Michigan's leading rusher. 

George Helow will still coach LB's.  Another Harbaugh favorite and look for him to get interest from other programs next season. 

• These Wolverines got invites to the NFL Combine: Vincent Gray, Hassan Haskins, Dax Hill, Chris Hinton, Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo, Josh Ross, and Andrew Stueber.