Whittingham Reveals New Defensive and Special Teams Coaching Staff

The University of Michigan’s football program has made significant coaching staff changes under head coach Kyle Whittingham. Key appointments were announced on January 2 and 3, 2025, leading to a new era for the Wolverines.

New Defensive Coaching Staff Announced

Kyle Whittingham confirmed the arrival of several new coaches, focusing primarily on the defensive department. The hiring includes Jay Hill as the Lester Family Defensive Coordinator, alongside Jernaro Gilford for defensive backs, Lewis Powell for defensive ends/edges, and Alex Whittingham as linebackers coach.

Details of the Coaching Staff

• Jay Hill: Serving as the Lester Family Defensive Coordinator.
• Jernaro Gilford: Previously coached cornerbacks at BYU for a decade, Gilford helped ten players reach the NFL. He has a strong record with top passing defenses.
• Lewis Powell: With a vast experience spanning 17 seasons, he excelled at Utah, mentoring eight NFL-bound players and achieving multiple All-America honors.
• Alex Whittingham: Joined from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he held several roles, contributing to teams reaching multiple Super Bowls.

Additional Staff Changes

Kyle Whittingham decided to retain Lou Esposito as the defensive line coach and David Denham as a defensive line analyst. Kerry Coombs will continue as the special teams coordinator, with Garrett Clawson serving as the assistant special teams coach.

Notable Achievements of New Coaches

With these strategic appointments, the Michigan Wolverines aim to strengthen their defensive and special teams capabilities. This revamped coaching staff is expected to bring fresh perspectives and proven expertise to the program.