Michigan Football: The Biggest Offseason Storylines for the Wolverines

Michigan’s offseason drama has centered on who would replace Brady Hoke after the team’s disappointing 5-7 finish. The regular season was a disaster both on and off the field and ultimately claimed Hoke’s job.

Michigan was in the news for all the wrong reasons, from shocking losses to Big Ten newcomers Rutgers and Maryland to quarterback Shane Morris’ concussion injury, which resulted in the resignation of athletic director David Brandon.

But all was not lost for the Maize and Blue. Fans were rewarded after an excruciating month-long wait with the coach everyone wanted.

Jim Harbaugh Returns to Ann Arbor

“I have no other words to really describe how that feels except to tell you I have great excitement about the challenge of serving the University of Michigan as your football coach,” said Jim Harbaugh during his introduction, and so launched the next era of Michigan football.

Harbaugh confounded practically every national expert by choosing to take the Michigan job over NFL opportunities. Harbaugh, who grew up in Ann Arbor and played for Michigan under Bo Schembechler, has a track record of quick turnarounds but will compete in a Big Ten East Division dominated by Ohio State and Michigan State.

He refused to issue a time frame for success or make any guarantees, but expectations are sky-high that he will soon have the Wolverines back in the national spotlight.

Who Will Be on His Staff?

After Harbaugh’s announcement, conjecture quickly turned to his coaching staff. During his press conference, he said that that he wanted “the best” coaches to work with him at Michigan.

Here is the rundown of who might be headed to Ann Arbor:

USA TODAY Sports

247Sports reports that defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has told recruits he will be part of the staff in some capacity.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that USC offensive line coach Tim Drevno will be Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that interim Florida coach D.J. Durkin was waiting for Harbaugh’s move to Michigan and is now expected to be his defensive coordinator.

Bruce Feldman has reported that Lance Anderson, currently Stanford's defensive coordinator, is also being pursued by Harbaugh.

The Sacramento Bee has reported 49ers wide receiver coach John Morton will also be joining the Michigan staff.

Sam Webb, WTKA's Michigan Insider, tweeted that Shannon Turley, who is currently with Stanford, will be Michigan’s new strength and conditioning coach.

Upheaval in Buffalo has led to speculation that running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley may be available, but there has been no confirmation that Harbaugh is pursuing him.

One coach who won't be joining Harbaugh is Vince Marrow (currently with Kentucky), according to Brian Eldridge.

There is no word on if longtime Michigan assistant coach Fred Jackson will be retained. Jackson has coached at Michigan since 1992. 

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Who Will Play Quarterback?

After completing his staff, Harbaugh will need to use spring practice to evaluate his quarterbacks. Early enrollee Alex Malzone will battle with Shane Morris, Russell Bellomy and Wilton Speight for the chance to lead Michigan on the field next season.

With a few weeks left before signing day, there’s also the possibility that Harbaugh could woo another quarterback to Ann Arbor.

Whomever Harbaugh chooses to start will have the advantage of his years of experience playing quarterback at the pro and collegiate level.
 

(Interim) Athletic Director

UMGoBlue.COM/Phil Callihan

After David Brandon's resignation, Michigan filled its void at athletic director with former corporate CEO Jim Hackett. Hackett is technically still the interim athletic director, but after landing Jim Harbaugh, he is the top candidate to fill the job permanently.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand

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