Michigan football did not anticipate needing to hire another defensive line coach this spring, but the resignation of Greg Scruggs left Sherrone Moore, the new head coach of the Wolverines, with no choice but to act swiftly.
Moore wasted no time in identifying potential candidates, and ultimately, a new hire was finalized on Friday with the appointment of Lou Esposito. Esposito, the former defensive coordinator at Western Michigan and briefly the Co-DC and D-line coach at Memphis, will now assume the role of D-line coach for the Wolverines.
Here are three observations regarding this move for Michigan football:
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A Strong Addition Despite the Timing:
It’s less than ideal to have to fill a coaching position after spring ball has commenced, but Moore’s decision to bring Esposito on board appears to be a quality move. There’s a valid argument to be made that Esposito could potentially be a better fit for Michigan football than Scruggs. While Esposito lacks NFL playing or coaching experience like Scruggs, his track record in recruiting and developing defensive linemen who have gone on to be drafted, such as Braden Fiske, is impressive. Moreover, Esposito’s success in generating sacks and defensive pressure at Western Michigan indicates his aptitude for the role.
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Enriching Coaching Staff Diversity:
With a new defensive coordinator in place for the upcoming season, having three assistant coaches who have previously served as defensive coordinators could prove to be a valuable asset. This diversity of perspectives could prove particularly beneficial for the team’s defensive strategy, especially in the event that the defensive coordinator, Wink, pursues opportunities in the NFL in the future.
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Strong Recruiting and Development Potential:
Esposito’s extensive experience coaching college football in Michigan over the past decade is a notable advantage. His familiarity with the local recruiting landscape should bolster the team’s efforts in attracting talent from within the state. Additionally, his track record of developing defensive linemen who excel in pressuring quarterbacks suggests that he will be an asset in player development.
In conclusion, while Esposito’s hiring may not be viewed as a grand slam, it certainly appears to be a significant win for Sherrone Moore, especially considering the time constraints under which the decision was made.
