Michigan Football: Familiar Faces English and Hart To Pace Eastern Sidelines

For coaches Ron English and Mike Hart, the short drive from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor is a familiar one.

English was a Wolverine assistant from 2003 through 2007, and Hart became Michigan's all-time leading ground gainer from 2004 through 2007.   

Both will be attired in green and white Saturday when the Wolverines host Eastern Michigan at the Big House.

This is the third year as Eastern's head coach for English, whose team is a surprising 2-0 this season. Last year, the Eagles finished 2-10 after going 0-12 in 2009.

For Hart, this is the first try as a coaching assistant. He recently completed a short-lived NFL career as a running back for the Indianapolis Colts. Like at Michigan, Hart fought the injury bug at Indianapolis, gaining only 264 yards in three seasons. He was released this past summer and immediately joined the Eagles as their offensive quality control coach.

Despite also fighting injuries at Michigan, Hart gained over 1,300 yards three times in his spectacular career and finished with 5,040—still tops for a Michigan running back.

Hart basically owned Michigan State, rushing for 100 yards in each of Michigan's four victories.

He will perhaps be most remembered for his "Little Brother" comment after the '07 game, which still has Spartan fans stewing. “Sometimes it’s just like when you’re playing your little brother in basketball." Hart said jokingly. "You let him get a lead and let him get excited, but then you take it back from him.” 

Seriously, it didn't take long for English to realize Hart's coaching potential.  

"Former players can say things to a player that's a little bit different than a coach saying it to a player," English told the Associated Press. "I think them knowing that Mike's true talents were not physical, were more mental, emotional and intelligence, I think that helps."

When Lloyd Carr resigned from Michigan after the 2007 season, English interviewed at both Michigan and Arkansas for the head coaching positions. Ironically, he took the head job just seven miles down the road from where he was just fired as an assistant.

English coached the defensive backs at Michigan from 2003 through 2005 before being promoted to defensive coordinator. In two seasons at that position, the Wolverines gave up just 18.7 points per game.

The (2-0) Wolverines, fresh off their 35-31 comeback win over Notre Dame, are 29-point favorites. The two teams last played in 2009, with Michigan winning that one, 45-17.

Tickets for the noon kickoff are still available online.