Don Brown Hired as Michigan DC: Latest Comments and Reaction

Don Brown will assume defensive coordinator duties for the Michigan Wolverines in 2016, the school confirmed on Monday:

Sports Illustrated's Thayer Evans was the first to report that Brown will replace D.J. Durkin, who left Ann Arbor after just a season to take over as head coach at Maryland.

The Wolverines made positives strides under Durkin, improving from 10th in total defense and 28th in points allowed in 2014 to fourth and 11th, respectively, in those two categories this year. Michigan's defense was often the team's saving grace in the first half of the season, as quarterback Jake Rudock became more comfortable under center.

Still, swapping Durkin for Brown might be a net positive for Michigan. Bleacher Report's Bryan Fischer was effusive in his praise of the move:

Brown worked wonders at Boston College, especially in 2015, when the Golden Eagles finished first in total defense and third in total scoring. Football Outsiders rated Boston College third in defensive S&P+ rating, one spot behind the Wolverines.

Michigan will lose its top three tacklers—linebackers Joe Bolden and Desmond Morgan and safety Jarrod Wilson—but cornerback Jourdan Lewis and safety Jabrill Peppers will both be back, while defensive end Chris Wormley has one year of eligibility left.

The Wolverines may take a slight step backward defensively in 2016 as a result of their personnel losses, but Brown's arrival will give them a great mind on the sideline.

Hiring Jim Harbaugh as head coach was a major coup for Michigan last year, and it sent the program in a positive direction after Brady Hoke's disastrous tenure. The team arguably exceeded expectations this season, and that progression should continue with Brown leading the defense going forward.