Mailbag question: Regarding the Defensive Coordinator

What do you guys think of all the coaches names that have been floated out there on the various message boards?

• Who do you guys like so far and who do you guys not like?

• Also, what are you guys looking for an a defensive coordinator at Michigan?

• Does he have to be a guy with Michigan ties, former defensive coordinator, great recruiter, familiar with Coach Rod, etc...

Thank you and keep up the good work -- don't let the haters get to you...

Jim from "THE D"

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Jim,

Thanks for the comments and the questions.

In our opinion, having Michigan ties would nice, but not a prerequisite for the job.

The main requirements we see is that the new defensive coordinator fit into Coach Rod's overall team philosophy and that he meshes with the temperments and talents of the rest of the coaching staff.

Those are our two biggest issues.

After that, we look to their resume and record of accomplishment. Being a good recruiter is important. We also would like the new defensive coordinator to be an excellent teacher.

As has been reported, there are many talented coaches available, but some of the names floated are not serious targets (but this helps make slow news days go by quicker on message boards and taps into people's emotions creating interest and discussion.)

Of the several coaches mentioned, here's our take:

Robinson: Top-notch defensive coordinator with excellent resume -- including Super Bowl rings. He is not known for being the most personable coach around.

Heater: Excellent recruiter and very good defensive back coach. His lack of experience as a defensive coordinator is troubling, especially considering the length of his coaching career.

Hopson: Very good defensive back coach and intense S.O.B. We worry about his "fit" with rest of staff. He has primarily been an "even-front" coach.

Sheridan: Very good linebacker coach, also with a Super Bowl ring. His lack of defensive coordinator experience could be a problem, though his time in the pros somewhat makes up for this.

Bedford: Good defensive back coach and has experience as defensive coordinator. His performance at Oklahoma State was not all positive.

Hermann: Impressive resume and solid linebacker coach. The main problem with Coach Hermann is fan perception, which is less than positive especially after the last several years at Michigan.

Tucker: Impressive resume including defensive coordinator at both college and pro level. Very good recruiter at Ohio State. He also was a very good defensive back coach.

We like Tucker and Sheridan best. Robinson has a very good defensive mind and an outstanding resume. His personality is dry and he is not very personable. Would take Robinson over Heater or Hopson as defensive coordinator. If Hopson returns it would surprise us.

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine