Moore Appoints Kerry Coombs as Special Teams Coordinator

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Moore Appoints Kerry Coombs as Special Teams Coordinator

Sherrone Moore, the University of Michigan’s Head Football Coach, announced the appointment of Kerry Coombs as the Wolverines’ Special Teams Coordinator on December 6. Coombs brings extensive coaching experience spanning 42 years, covering high school, college, and NFL levels.

Kerry Coombs: A Proven Football Coach

Moore expressed enthusiasm about Coombs joining the program, highlighting his exceptional track record. “Kerry’s leadership of our special teams will be invaluable,” Moore stated. Coombs has mentored top-tier athletes, including elite special team players and cornerbacks.

Career Highlights

2017 Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year.
Recognized as Big Ten’s Recruiter of the Year three times.
Recent role as Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach at Cincinnati (2022-2024).
Led cornerbacks to finish fourth in the Big 12 for pass defense amid injuries in 2023.
Mason Fletcher received All-Big 12 honorable mentions as punter.
Carter Brown successfully converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts.

Recent Successes at Cincinnati

In 2022, Coombs introduced new starters at cornerback, with Ja’Quan Sheppard earning first-team all-conference honors. Under his guidance, Fletcher became a finalist for the Ray Guy Award and was named the AAC Special Teams Player of the Year. Additionally, Ryan Coe was recognized as a second-team all-league kicker.

Previous Achievements

Before joining Cincinnati, Coombs made a significant impact at Ohio State as Defensive Coordinator (2020-2021). During his tenure, the Buckeyes secured a Big Ten Championship and reached the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2020.

Ranked 6th nationally in rushing defense.
Produced 20 turnovers in just eight games.
Cornerback Shaun Wade earned consensus All-American status.

NFL Experience

Coombs served as the secondary coach for the Tennessee Titans (2018-2019), helping the team achieve top-10 pass defense rankings during both seasons. The Titans reached the playoffs in 2019 but faced defeat in the AFC Championship Game.

Coaching Legacy

Coombs returned to Ohio State in 2012, where he mentored cornerbacks and coordinated special teams. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes achieved remarkable success:

101 interceptions recorded, with 17 returned for touchdowns.
Two Big Ten Championships (2014-2017).
First-ever College Football Playoff National Champion in 2014.

Notably, Coombs coached seven first-round NFL draft picks during his tenure, becoming the first coach to have three cornerbacks taken in consecutive drafts (2016-2017).

Early Coaching Career

Coombs began his coaching journey at Colerain High School, where he achieved a 161-34 record and won a state championship in 2004. He also contributed as an assistant coach at Greenhills and Lakota high schools before heading to Loveland High School.

Personal Background

A native of Colerain, Ohio, Coombs graduated from the University of Dayton in 1983 as part of the Flyers’ Division III National Championship team. He and his wife, Holly, have three adult children: daughter Cortney and sons Brayden and Dylan.