Coaches: M vs. Detroit Lions

Something I was thinking about & decided to work it out on paper: comparing the coaching staff of my two favorite teams.  It's hard to compare college staffs to pros due to many factors, but basically it comes down to who would you rather have coaching this position.  Maybe pointless, but thought I'd share.

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh v Jim Caldwell

Jim is the clear winner here.  The Jim who went to the Super Bowl.  The Jim who went to the Super Bowl without Peyton Manning.  All due respect to Coach Caldwell, but Harbaugh is one of the top coaches at any level.  I'd have been thrilled if he was coaching the Lions, but I can't even put into words what he means to Michigan.  Winner: Harbaugh

Offensive Coordinator: Tim Drevno v Joe Lombardi

Tough call here, as Drevno has never been a coordinator and Lombardi has only one season.  I'll give the edge to Drevno though, as he is in a situation with a head coach who he has a record of success who will be very much involved.  Lombardi could still turn out to be ok, but has a lot to prove.  If the coaching change at Michigan had been Nuss leaving, being replaced by Lombardi we would all be questioning the move, wondering if he was the second coming of Al "Gorgeous" Borges. (I really wish I had thought of this nickname 4 years ago.)  Winner: Drevno.
 

Running Backs: Ty Wheatley vs. Curtis Modkins

Based on their work with the Bills, Ty gets the nod.  I'd say it's not even close.  Winner: Wheatley

Wide Recievers: Jedd Fisch vs Robert Prince

Prince has more experience with WR's, but Fisch's job is more than just coaching guys to catch & run routes.  Both have a background as a coordinator.  Prince has Calvin & Golden... and nobody did much else.  Basically, I don't think anybody would complain much if they switched roles.  Winner: Tie.

TE: Jaybaugh vs Ron Prince

Jaybaugh has no experience as a TE coach.  Prince has one season that was underwhelming.  I am actually surprised he wasn't reassigned, with Terry Malone (and his experience with Lombardi in New Orleans) having been available.  These two are in completely different positions despite both coaching the same position.  I think Jaybaugh is the better man for Michigan with the way he has hit recruiting, but we have yet to see any results on the field.  Despite his coaching experience, the Lions have yet to see results from the TE's under his tutilage despite their talent & depth.  Winner: Tie.  (Though for Michigan, I like Jaybaugh)

Offensive Line: Tim Drevno vs Jeremiah Washburn

Both are excellent coaches who would have no problem getting a job elsewhere.  The difference I see is that while Washburn is well respected and can develop guys, Drevno is well respected and can develop guys to run through brick walls.  The line at SF slipped without him.  USC did some nice things with young guys last year.  Winner: Drevno

Defensive Coordinator: DJ Durkin vs Teryl Austin

Tough call here.  Both are excellent.  Comparing the two, they are very similar.  Both are likely to be head coaches in the future.  Still, if the two switched jobs there would be more questions about Durkin, so... Winner: Austin (no slight to Durkin at all)

Defensive Line: Greg Mattison vs Kris Kocurek

Kocurek has had decent results, but I think my dog could coach Suh.  Mattison is Mattison.  Winner: Mattison

Linebackers: DJ Durkin vs Bill Sheridan

Repeat what I said about Durkin v Austin.  Not that Durkin has a lot to prove, but if they switched jobs (just as LB coach) I think Sheridan is seen as much more solid with Michigan than Durkin with the Lions.  Sheridan is a damn good LB coach.  Winner: Sheridan (by a slight edge, based on LB's alone.  if it's as a combo LB/DC then Durkin wins)

Secondary: Zordich/Jackson vs Tony Oden/Alan Williams

This is almost a push.  Zordich/Jackson look very good, but we'll have to wait to see results.  Oden/Williams got Detroit's secondary to actually being decent to good last year,  Winner: Slight edge to Oden/Williams.

Special Teams: John Baxter vs. Joe Marciano

Baxter is known as a great special teams coach, producing touchdowns and blocked kicks.  Marciano is known for producing special teams that there was nothing really special about.  If Baxter wasn't coaching at Michigan & the Lions had hired him, I think all Lions fans would be excited.  Winner: Baxter

Overall, I would give the edge to Michigan.  Despite Michigan not having played a single game under the current coaching staff (save for Mattison) there are fewer questions than with the Lions.  Harbaugh has put together a great staff that can hopefully stay together for at least a couple seasons.  I am REALLY excited to watch the Spring Game tomorrow.  GO BLUE!