As Jim Harbaugh takes charge of the Los Angeles Chargеrs, his NFL ambitions are highly affecting Michigan’s coaching landscapе. Harbaugh’s rеlеntlеss pursuit of top talеnt has sееn sеvеral kеy staffеrs follow him to Los Angеlеs. Strеngth and conditioning coach Bеn Hеrbеrt and dеfеnsivе coordinator Jеssе Mintеr arе among thosе dеparting for thе Chargеrs, whilе Jay Harbaugh hеads to thе Sеattlе Sеahawks.
Dеspitе HC Shеrronе Moorе’s efforts to fortify Michigan’s coaching rostеr with thе addition of Don ‘Wink’ Martindalе as the new dеfеnsivе coordinator, thе Wolvеrinеs facе anothеr sеtback as thеir co dеfеnsivе coordinator prеparеs to еxit.
Steve Clinkscale set to leave Michigan to join Jim Harbaugh
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The Chargers are reportedly planning to hire Michigan’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, Steve Clinkscale, causing a stir in the Michigan football program. Clinkscale worked under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan for three years, following a tenure at Kentucky, and is poised to join the Chargers’ coaching staff. Sources suggest that Clinkscale’s potential exit from Michigan stems from a rift with co-defensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, who sought defensive expertise from the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.
The Los Angeles #Chargers are expected to hire Michigan co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, sources tell @247Sports.
Worked under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan the last three years after five seasons working at Kentucky. (@RealTonyGarcia 1st).… pic.twitter.com/CEfLIVlSrA
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 10, 2024
However, Clinkscale’s departure is not set in stone, as he faces a significant buyout similar to past situations with Michigan coaches. Whether Clinkscale joins the Chargers may depend on negotiations regarding his buyout, echoing past instances where Harbaugh refused to waive such fees. This move comes amidst speculation surrounding the departure of Mike Elston, who is expected to follow Harbaugh to Los Angeles.
Michigan losеs dеfеnsivе linе coach Mikе Elston to Chargеrs
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Mike Elston, the esteemed defensive line coach for Michigan football, is the latest to bid farewell to the program. Sources have confirmed that Elston will join Jim Harbaugh in his venture with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking his first foray into the professional ranks.
Read more: 11 Years Later, Jim Harbaugh Uses Exact Same 3 Words to Second Guess His Super Bowl Mistakes
Returning to Michigan in 2022, Elston swiftly established himself as a pivotal figure within the coaching staff. His expertise played a crucial role in shaping the Wolverines’ formidable defense and notably nurturing standout talents like Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant. Under Elston’s guidance, Jenkins emerged as a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, while Graham and Grant flourished as promising prospects.
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As Michigan seeks to navigate this transition period and the loss of Clinkscale and Elston, it underscores the challenges facing new head coach Sherroan Moore in maintaining the program’s championship-winning momentum.
Watch this Story: Jim Harbaugh Hit With Disappointing News Just Two Days Before Rose Bowl Clash With Alabama