I think these kids have been given some assurances about the offensive staff.
It seems pretty obvious that the recruits have been told Gattis and the offensive staff will stay in place. It also seems pretty evident that the defensive recruits haven't been given the same assurances.
Are you cool with that? Same offensive assistants, and a whole new defense, with Ron Bellamy joining the staff in some way to shore up in state recruiting.
Total speculation on my part of course.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:05 AM ^
I think they heard that Trevor Lawrence is transferring to Michigan to serve as a one year mentor to JJ.
Total Speculation is fun.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:41 AM ^
That’s just because Dabo wants to coach here next year. Book it. The only problem is that he, Saban and Urbs all want the job in a major way. Warde is really putting the screws to each in a reverse bidding war where each coach is trying to lowball the others for the opportunity and honor to coach the winningest program in college football.
Speculation *is* fun
December 16th, 2020 at 10:26 AM ^
Nah Trevor is just hiding from the Jets
December 16th, 2020 at 11:07 AM ^
I heard Patrick Mahomes found out that he's the heir of a hotel empire, but he will be disinherited unless he goes back to school and gets his degree, so he's coming to Michigan next year.
December 16th, 2020 at 12:24 PM ^
He won't play football, but he'll come and get the best degree money can buy.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:17 PM ^
I am not going to put recruits receiving positive news about retaining our staff in the “good things” category.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:06 AM ^
I think we still need to add a RB coach. I know that Jay handles this position group right now, but I would like to see someone else take on this role.
I've seen small rumors that Sherrone Moore is being looked at by OU to replace Beamer, but who knows if that will happen. If it does, that's one of our top recruiters leaving for the 2nd straight year.
Defense needs a lot of retooling. The only person I would be on board with keeping is Zordich. I think we saw some improvement from Green throughout the season, and I think he will be solid next year.
Everyone else needs to go on D.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:09 AM ^
He came from OU why would he go back to the same position? Riley isn't going to make a TE coach Asst HC.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:11 AM ^
I don't think it will happen. I was just posting the rumor. Shouldn't have even said anything. My overall point was that I'm fine with everyone on the offensive side of the ball, however I would like a new RB coach.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:22 AM ^
Why would you want a new RB coach? Jay has produced productive backs and is a plus recruiter. Which is really all you can ask from a running backs coach. Jay hasn’t done anything to say he shouldn’t be back
December 16th, 2020 at 9:26 AM ^
Is it fair to have rushing yards as an expectation? If so, he’s been an abject failire.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:54 AM ^
Rushing yards in what sense?
Individual? Our backs share carries so that’s not really a fair expectation. no back is going to put up a ton of yards getting 5-10 carries a game. Jay doesn’t determine rotation, so he has no control over that.
As a unit? Again, our backs have been a pretty damn productive unit. This year we replaced 4 starters and 10 different OL played due to injuries. So this year isn’t really on the running backs at all, and even so we had two backs average over 6 ypc.
It isn’t Jay’s job to produce a single workhorse back that runs for 1,400 yards. It’s his job to produce a productive unit. And he’s done a very good job of doing the latter on top of being a plus recruiter.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:55 AM ^
That isn true. Like not at all.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:28 AM ^
Not a fair statement. My belief is that if and when we finally have a QB who can complete passes down the field (not just dump offs to safety valve receivers all the time) CONSISTENTLY, our running game will be much better in yards gained. Of course, the big doubt in everyone's mind is if JH stays, whether that will happen.
December 16th, 2020 at 12:03 PM ^
I think this is huge. That and playcalling that doesn't tip plays; a lot of Michigan's runs that are unproductive are DOA due to defensive commitment.
Honestly, Jay seems fine. The RBs as a whole have improved at making the right cuts and finding the right holes, and one thing that can be a product of coaching is blocking, which we've seen is an asset in a number of guys. Karan Higdon in particular is an example of a guy whose blocking improved noticeably under Jay.
Michigan's staff has far greater problems than Jay Harbaugh, IMO.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:40 AM ^
I'm not necessarily saying fire Jay (he still coaches special teams, correct?), but we haven't had a RB drafted since, what late 2000s? It's one thing to recruit elite backs, its another for them to perform at an elite level at the college level. We haven't had that.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:59 AM ^
Why is that relevant? His job is to create a productive running game for Michigan. He’s done that. Whether it’s from a single back or we use 3-4 backs doesn’t matter. Whether they go on to the NFL or not doesn’t matter. Michigan is his job. Not NFL talent developer.
It should be noted that only 1 running back has graduated since Jay took the running backs coach job. He was a senior when Jay took over and ran for 1,000 yards. Our first 1,000 yard back since 2012. He signed an NFL deal. Last year our backs were all freshmen except for a walk-on. So it really sounds like you’re projecting issues that have nothing to do with Jay
December 16th, 2020 at 10:41 AM ^
Who would look at Michigan's running game, other than a Michigan fan, and think it is good? ZERO RB's to the NFL in Harbaugh's tenure. Higdon didn't even make it for goodness sake. Our running back situation is average to slightly below average in the B10. Forget the country, but who in the B10 would trade their RB's / RB production for ours?
December 16th, 2020 at 11:13 AM ^
I'm not a fan of Jay only because I think there are better options. Make Jay the recruiting coordinator and bring in Mike Hart. Need to bury that hatchet already.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:33 AM ^
How is hart a better option? He is worse at recruiting and development compared to Jay.
December 16th, 2020 at 7:37 PM ^
Lmao people bitch about nepotism with Jay then want Mike Hart because he played at Michigan.
Think there’s a word for that....
December 16th, 2020 at 11:20 AM ^
Again, whether the backs go to the NFL or not is COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT. Coaches aren’t evaluated on whether they’re sending guys to the NFL or not. If they were, there would be no reason to get rid of Jim Harbaugh. Why you decide to focus on that talking point is beyond me. Especially when you factor in the fact that since Jay took over, we have had ONE back graduate. All of our backs last year were freshmen. All of our backs this year were freshmen and sophomores except our 4th string Evans. You want to focus on NFL yet ignore only one guy has even been eligible for the NFL and he did in fact sign a pro contract.
We had two back average over 6 ypc this year. All 3 backs last year averaged 4.9 or higher, one of them broke a school record for freshman TDs. The previous year (Jay’s first) was the Higdon 1,000 yard season.
Tons of teams, both in conference and nationally, would take our running backs production.
December 16th, 2020 at 1:07 PM ^
I'm dumbfounded by your reply. Our running game has been close to nonexistent this year. You can talk "potential" all you want (which is what we Michigan fans have spent too much time on when evaluating our RB).
Charbonnet broke the Freshman TD record because he punched in a solid number of his TD's from 5 yards or less. Charbonnet has shown nothing elite. Haskins looks like a tough runner, but not First, Second, or Third Team B10. Corum looks quick, but will need more time to determine what kind of player he becomes.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:38 AM ^
The only issue I’ve seen with the RB coaching was the inexplicable rotation prior to the last 2 games. The carries were pretty even,y split between Haskins and Charbonnet with Corum and Evans getting a handful of carries when it was clear that Haskins was the only back to perform well with their awful OL play
December 16th, 2020 at 11:08 AM ^
RB coach doesn’t determine the rotation. Magnus touched on this on another post. Personnel decisions are based on packages, which come directly from head coach and OC in the gameplan.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:42 AM ^
You want to get rid of the guy who landed Donovan Edwards, Zach Charbonnet, and Blake Corum, and has developed Haskins?
Honestly, these nepotism tales are stupid AF. Yeah, the rotation of backs is irritating, but the OC can control the rotation more—simple fix. Create a clear plan of usage and let the guys know. OC has final say.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:19 AM ^
Lol big thrill.
Michigan fans still over valuing the little production we get based off recruiting profiles.
Jay has no idea how to handle the in game RB rotations. He’s in over his head.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:29 AM ^
Maybe because position coaches don’t handle in-game rotations. So essentially, you’re bashing a coach for something he has no control over because you aren’t informed enough of the process in which those decisions are made... maybe you should sit this one out.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:42 AM ^
Position coaches handle in game rotations. That’s literally what they do on the sideline during the game lol.
You have no idea what you’re talking about.
Do you think Gattis is calling plays AND making substitutions? LOL. Besides scripted series and one-off requests, the position coach is on the headset listening to the plays and making the call on which RB goes in. That’s Jay’s job during the game and it’s too big for him.
December 16th, 2020 at 10:53 AM ^
Exactly, maybe the recruiting and development are okay, but the running back usage doesn't feel like there's any sort of rhythm or consistency to it and that's been a problem for a couple of years now. That's on JayBaugh, I like the guy and he seems to get on well with the players, but I feel like he's replacement-level and should probably start to spread his own wings.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:02 AM ^
Its been abundantly clear that the RB's each have a certain play package assigned to them, so they go in based on the play call. What you're saying is that the RB coach is calling plays.
You, sir, are an idiot.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:10 AM ^
The lack of understanding the inner workings of a football staff around here is depressing.
The RB Coach is in charge of substituting RB’s during the game. Not the OC. Not the HC. That goes for all position coaches. That’s literally their job during the game.
I am not guessing.
Are there certain packages for your 3rd down back on a passing down for example? Sure. There aren’t different specific packages for every single running back on the team. They are interchangeable. If each back had their own package, and we only called plays in that package when said back is in the game, we’d be the easiest team to scout in the country and not a single offensive coach deserves to be retained. Come on now.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:34 AM ^
No, they literally DON’T. They make emergency substitutions if a kid is coming off because he’s tired or his helmet comes off. On a down to down basis, they absolutely do not determine personnel.
Magnus touched on this on another thread. RB rotation is predetermined in game prep by OC and Head Coach based on situations and packages. You don’t have an OC calling plays without knowing which personnel the positions coaches are going to plug in there. They have 100% control over those decisions, not the positions coach.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:49 AM ^
For scripted series, yes it’s predetermined. In the middle of the game, it is not..at all.
The RB coach is making the call. The OC does not have time to worry about which RB is in the game. If Gattis is up there making substitution calls and calling plays, well... then it makes sense why we look so disorganized and can’t seem to counter off anything we run.
And if Michigan is telegraphing their plays like you suggest, then this staff is the dumbest to ever coach.
I am speaking specifically from the Carr era as I’ve seen first hand how the position coaches manage their players during the game.
I also had a chance to talk about this with a position coach of Matt Campbell’s at a wedding 2 years ago. He made the call who went in during the game, not the OC not Campbell unless directed otherwise. That was his job during the game. Maybe Harbaugh does it different. I wouldn’t put it past him. It would explain a lot.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:57 AM ^
Per Magnus
“ I can tell you unequivocally that the running backs coach does not decide who gets playing time. There ARE times when a position coach has to put someone in during an emergency (guy gets sent out for losing his helmet for 1 play, guy rolls an ankle during a 2-minute drill, etc.) without clearing it with the play caller/OC.
But aside from that kind of one-off situation, the guy in the game is the guy that the head coach and/or coordinator has decided to play that week or in that situation.
I have seen coaches get their asses chewed out on the sideline for making substitutions on their own or making decisions without clearing it with the coordinator beforehand. One time I thought a coach was going to get fired in the middle of the game for something like that.”
You’re wrong. And it’s not just a Michigan thing. Every program operates this way. Position coaches don’t just Willy-nilly decide who goes in on a play by play basis. That would create mass confusion and you’d never get the right personnel in based on play calls or get the play in on time.
December 16th, 2020 at 12:17 PM ^
Make the wrong sub, you're going to get chewed out. Exactly how it should be.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:49 AM ^
He didn't come from OU, in fact he's never coached at OU.
He PLAYED at OU, and is from nearby Kansas. He last coached at CMU
So he could go to OU for several reasons:
- Closer to family
- Program closer to the playoffs and likely has better job security
- OU could give him another title on top of TE duties, like Assistant ST coach. It doesn't matter, The position OU is hiring for is basically a glorified recruiter
December 16th, 2020 at 9:08 AM ^
It's really only been the OL that has committed along with McCarthy and Hansen, which probably means Warrinner and Harbaugh are back.
I'll wait until we see which WR's sign to see if Gattis looks like he's going to be back.
The flashes i've seen from Gattis' scheme I do like. The problem has been personnel and execution. If he can get a QB to operate his offense, I think there is a lot of potential. The fact that we are in year 3 and players still look like they can't execute might be an indictment on his coaching ability, not his schematic abilities.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:11 AM ^
This was the second year of Gattis at Michigan, and it was a year without spring practice. At least know your facts, man.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:13 AM ^
For some reason I thought he came along when Shea came in. My bad! Even more reason to give him more time to prove himself.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:11 AM ^
all the WR's have said they are all in except Worthy (Anthony's LOI is in), and Sam has all but guaranteed that Donovan Edwards is coming. That's my speculation about Bellamy joining the staff.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:15 AM ^
It was rumored that Gattis was the primary reason Worthy and Giles Jackson committed to Michigan. Both of them have been wavering. We'll see how things play out.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:34 AM ^
That's not a rumor, he was / is the lead recruiter for those guys, and Henning.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:17 AM ^
If I'm cutting Gattis any slack at all, missing Spring and summer practices/workouts was huge for an offense replacing so many starters across the board. It did seem like in his first year that was where he was able to show his teaching ability to the young WRs.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:40 AM ^
How did rich rods offense look in year two? Great at first with tate, then got shitty as the year went on as teams got film.
Year 3 is where it started to shine, so I'm in the boat of giving gattis one last chance personally. Until we have a competent qb running the offense I cant fully judge it
December 16th, 2020 at 9:10 AM ^
Yes.
Don Brown needs to go. I'm fine with giving Gattis another year, but we need new coaching on defense. Even with our Offensive woes last year, we need new coaching on defense SO BAD.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:12 AM ^
we need elite D recruiters.
December 16th, 2020 at 9:16 AM ^
We need recruiters in general
December 16th, 2020 at 9:19 AM ^
Sounds like Brown is staying so another year of getting blasted by any team with a pulse. Does anyone really think the defense is going to get better with Brown as DC?
December 16th, 2020 at 9:20 AM ^
Why do you think he is staying? I find it hard to believe he will stay.