Michigan Wolverines 2026 Coaching Staff

I previously covered HC Kyle Whittingham, but now that the full picture of next year's coaching staff has become clear, I would like to introduce them.

We were able to secure RB coach Tony Alford, whom I absolutely wanted to stay, but WR coach Ron Bellamy and DB coach Lamar Morgan did not remain.

*There might be one more addition to the DB coaching staff.

■ Offense

・Offensive Coordinator: Jason Bec

Former Utah OC. Moved along with Whittingham. An innovative and balanced "open style" coach who was the key figure in elevating the University of Utah to a top-tier scoring offense in the nation (averaging 41.1 points in 2025). He is likely to incorporate elements of a more modern and explosive spread offense, moving away from a "run-only" approach.

・QB Coach: Koy Detmer Jr.

Promoted and transferred from the Utah staff. He has maintained a mentor-protégé relationship with Jason Bec for many years. His coaching philosophy is "teach strictly, but love even more." His father is former NFL Eagles QB Koy Detmer, and his uncle is former Heisman Trophy-winning QB Ty Detmer.

・OL Coach: Jim Harding

Former Utah staff member. Highly trusted by Whittingham. His coaching goal is to inherit Michigan's traditional "powerful line play" while instilling a more modern and sophisticated "Calculated Violence." He has a reputation for his ability to develop players.

・RB Coach: Tony Alford

Retained. A veteran coach who has been with the team since 2024. He is particularly excellent as a recruiter. His coaching goes beyond mere technical instruction, focusing on instilling "NFL-level professionalism" in college students. He uses a style of playing whoever is in good form.

He is a theorist who has even published an instructional video titled "Fundamental Running Back Drills." His technical focus includes ball security (preventing fumbles), pass protection (QB protection), and thorough mastery of "pressure points" (correct ball handling).

・WR Coach: Micah Simon

Former Utah staff member, in his 20s. "Soil and Flower" philosophy. Simon's style asks players not to be too conscious of "results" (winning big games or titles), but rather to cultivate the "soil" of daily practice. ・Assistant WR Coach: Marques Hagans, former Penn State WR coach.

・TE Coach　

　Former Utah staff member. Brother of HC Kyle

　A renowned instructor who transformed the University of Utah into one of the nation's premier TE-producing schools.

　His coaching philosophy is to develop TEs into "hybrid weapons" who perfectly balance the roles of "sixth offensive lineman" and "second wide receiver."
He specializes in tactics that deploy two, and sometimes three, TEs on the field simultaneously.

■ Defense

・Defensive Coordinator　Jay Hill

　Former BYU (Brigham Young University) DC.

Aggressive and flexible defense. Has a track record of improving BYU's defense to a top-tier national level in a short period.

Plans to transition from the complex NFL-style scheme used by Wink Martindale to an aggressive system that is easier to implement in college, focusing more on "speed" and "turnover creation."

He is highly skilled at flexibly changing formations in response to the opponent's setup and is particularly well-regarded for his instruction of the secondary (DB unit).

・DL Coach　Lou Esposito

　Retained; his son is scheduled to enroll the year after next.

　Coaching philosophy is "Building a Run Wall" and "positionless flexibility."

Has a strong reputation for recruiting ability in the Midwest.

・DE Coach　Lewis Powell

Powell's coaching philosophy is said to be "a fusion of overwhelming run stuffing and relentless pass rushing."

・LB Coach　Alex Whittingham

Son of Head Coach Kyle.

Former NFL Kansas City Chiefs LB Assistant Coach.

He is highly regarded for his disguise techniques, but there is concern that he only has experience as an assistant coach.

・DB (S) Coach Tyler Stockton

Former Boise State Co-DC.

His philosophy is based on "sharp situational awareness" and "forcing turnovers."

During his time at Boise State, he developed many "multi-functional safeties" who possessed both the strength to dive into the "box" to stop the run and the speed to break up passes from deep positions.

He employs a "bend-but-don't-break" strategy.

■ Special Teams

・Special Teams Coordinator Kerry Coombs

He was just signed last December, so he is being retained.

A legendary coach formerly of Ohio State and other programs.

The special teams performed exceptionally well in the New Year's Day bowl game.

■ Strength Coach

Doug Elisaia

Transferred from the University of Utah. He focuses not just on "getting bigger," but on "position-specific functionality" and "injury-resistant toughness."

However, I still wish Ben Herbert (now with the LA Chargers), who led us to a national championship, would come back...