Michigan’s football program, still reeling from a disappointing 7-5 season, has made a high-profile move by hiring Chip Lindsey as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. While the hire has sparked a mix of optimism and skepticism, an insider has offered a critical perspective on the decision, citing the Wolverines’ struggles last season and the uphill battle Lindsey faces in restoring the team’s dominance.

In a candid breakdown in college football with Sam, the analyst acknowledged Lindsey’s resume but questioned whether he is the right fit for Michigan at this pivotal moment. “I’m going to grade this hire as an A or B+. I think Michigan could have done better. Chip Lindsey was not someone who, in my thought process… was even on my board. When he popped up, I’m like, okay, much better than Kirk Campbell… but also not the highest-level hiring.”

The Wolverines’ offense, which ranked dead last in the Power Four conferences last season with just 294.3 yards per game, desperately needs a reset. The analyst highlighted that Lindsey brings a run-heavy philosophy that aligns with Michigan’s identity, but the hire isn’t without its concerns. “His run-heavy scheme; he’s done well running the ball at North Carolina and Auburn; I think that fits into Michigan’s identity. And I think him being able to coach Bryce Underwood, who’s a mobile QB… fits well.”

Michigan’s decision to part ways with Kirk Campbell was inevitable after the team’s offensive woes last season. However, Lindsey’s track record, though respectable, raises questions about whether he can immediately transform a struggling offense into a powerhouse. The analyst pointed out, “Michigan isn’t the only school with a lot of money… they need to make roster moves at other positions to support Lindsey’s system.”

Lindsey replaced Phil Longo when he joined as the offensive coordinator for North Carolina. In his first season, the Tar Heels won eight games, and he helped Drake Maye to be selected as No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL draft. Despite the doubts, there is cautious optimism about Lindsey’s ability to tap into Michigan’s talent pipeline. With the No. 1 QB recruit, Bryce Underwood, potentially leading the offense and improvements expected from the transfer portal, the Wolverines appear to be laying the groundwork for a comeback.

Chip Lindsey’s History and Michigan’s High Stakes

Chip Lindsey’s coaching history adds both intrigue and pressure to his new role at Michigan. His experience developing quarterbacks like Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham and North Carolina’s Drake Maye is a major asset. At UNC, Lindsey helped Maye throw for over 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns while building an offense that averaged 32.3 points per game. However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges, such as his tenure as head coach at Troy, where he turned a struggling program into a respectable competitor.

For Michigan, Lindsey’s hire comes at a critical juncture. The team’s struggles last season highlighted glaring weaknesses on offense, and Lindsey’s ability to integrate a balanced attack will be key. His arrival coincides with increasing competition in the Big Ten and significant roster changes across college football, fueled by NIL money and the transfer portal.

While some view Lindsey as a strategic choice to align Michigan’s offense with its traditional strengths, others see it as a gamble in a high-stakes environment. If Lindsey can harness the potential of Bryce Underwood and complement head coach Sherrone Moore’s vision, Michigan might finally reclaim its spot as a national contender. However, failure to deliver in the short term could amplify the doubts surrounding the hire.