Michigan’s defensive coordinator considered a return to the NFL this offseason after interviewing with several teams, including Atlanta and Indianapolis, for their defensive coordinator openings. However, after exploring his options, he ultimately chose to remain in Ann Arbor.
He explained that when he accepted the job at Michigan, he was upfront about being open to listening to opportunities, but it would take a perfect situation to pull him away. He emphasized that he loves being at Michigan, appreciates the players, and enjoyed how the team came together, particularly toward the end of the season. He looks forward to building on that momentum.
The team was sitting at 5-5 late in the season when something clicked. They blew out Northwestern on senior day, then pulled off a shocking upset over Ohio State in Columbus, winning 13-10 despite being heavy underdogs. That same defensive unit made a statement in the Rose Bowl, forcing several turnovers against Alabama and setting the tone early in bad weather conditions, ultimately winning the ReliaQuest Bowl 19-13.
Although several key contributors from that defensive unit have moved on to the NFL — including Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart, Will Johnson, Quinten Johnson, Makari Paige, and Aamir Hall — he believes the defense can still maintain a high level. Many of those players were unavailable for the final game last year, yet the team found a way to succeed, and he’s confident they can do it again.
He acknowledged there will naturally be a talent drop-off, as younger players don’t yet have the same reputation as those who left. However, he believes this next group is hungry and eager to carry on the program’s defensive tradition.
One player expected to step into a bigger role is fifth-year defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny, a Detroit native who has already shown flashes of potential. With 71 career tackles, including nine for loss, along with a few sacks and other impactful plays, he’s made the most of his limited snaps so far. Benny especially stood out during the bowl game when several top players opted out, and he made critical plays against Ohio State to help seal that upset victory. The defensive coordinator believes Benny knows what he needs to improve and is ready to take the next step toward his NFL future.
Another player expected to take on an expanded role is linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who could see more opportunities rushing off the edge in addition to his responsibilities in the middle of the defense.
In the secondary, the team is hoping for a healthy return from Rod Moore, who was compared to an All-Pro safety when the current defensive coordinator arrived. Moore is rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered last spring, and while his timeline remains uncertain, the hope is that he can return to form and play a key role. After considering entering the NFL two years ago, injuries delayed those plans, but the focus now is on proving he can still be a top-level playmaker. His recovery has taken longer than expected, and he has yet to be cleared for full football activities.
Spring practice is set to begin on March 18, giving the coaching staff their first extended look at the next wave of contributors hoping to keep the program’s defensive success going.