Top 3 DC Candidates Ideal for Whittingham’s Michigan Tenure
With the recent appointment of Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, one of his immediate challenges will be assembling a strong coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side. Whittingham, known for his defensive expertise, will need to select a defensive coordinator capable of leading the unit effectively. Here are three candidates who stand out for this crucial role.
Top 3 DC Candidates Ideal for Whittingham’s Michigan Tenure
1. Jay Hill, Defensive Coordinator, BYU
Jay Hill has emerged as a prominent candidate for the defensive coordinator position. Previously, Hill played cornerback for the University of Utah and built his career in coaching from graduate assistant to head coach at Weber State.
During his nine seasons at Weber State, Hill secured four Big Sky Conference titles and took the team to the FCS Semifinals in 2019. In 2023, he joined BYU as the defensive coordinator, transforming the unit’s performance remarkably. Under his leadership, BYU’s defense improved from allowing 29.8 points per game to only 19.6 points, achieving a Top-20 national ranking.
With Whittingham at 66 years old, hiring Hill, who is currently 50, could set the stage for a future head coach in Hill, should he choose to pursue that path.
2. Gary Andersen, Analyst, BYU
Gary Andersen is another strong contender with a wealth of experience in college football, including a prior head coaching position at Wisconsin. Under his guidance, the Badgers achieved the sixth-best defense in the nation in 2013.
Andersen has deep roots with Whittingham, having served as the defensive coordinator and later as assistant head coach at Utah. Their close relationship could foster a seamless collaboration at Michigan, making Andersen a viable option if Hill is not secured as the defensive coordinator.
3. Lewis Powell, Defensive Ends Coach, Utah
Although Morgan Scalley has been named the head coach at Utah, Lewis Powell remains a noteworthy candidate. With 11 seasons of coaching experience at Utah after his playing days, Powell has significantly contributed to the development of eight players who were eventually drafted into the NFL.
His success with notable defensive ends, including first-team All-Big 12 selection John Henry Daley, showcases his ability to groom talent. At 45 years old, Powell represents a young, energetic option for Whittingham, especially if the search for a more experienced defensive coordinator doesn’t yield results.
As Whittingham embarks on building his coaching staff, selecting a capable defensive coordinator will be pivotal. The potential candidates—Hill, Andersen, and Powell—all bring unique strengths and a proven track record that align well with Whittingham’s vision for the Michigan Wolverines.
