Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL

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Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL

Michigan football’s offensive staff, led by new head coach Sherrone Moore, has witnessed significant developments with Kirk Campbell assuming the role of offensive coordinator, Grant Newsome being promoted to offensive line coach, and Steve Casula reportedly joining as the new tight ends coach. However, the defensive side of the team remains shrouded in uncertainty.
While there have been no official announcements regarding defensive coaches, Mike Elston and Steve Clinkscale, the defensive line coach and defensive pass game coordinator, respectively, have been actively engaged in recruiting for the Wolverines. The focal point now revolves around the selection of a replacement for former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL
Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL
Recent hints from The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb suggest that Joe Cullen could emerge as a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position. This speculation aligns with insights from NFL on CBS insider Jonathan Jones, who identifies Cullen as a contender for the Michigan DC role, along with interest from the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders.
michigan wolverines football national champions carpet rug 1 WweS5
michigan wolverines football national champions carpet rug 1 WweS5
Cullen boasts extensive experience as a defensive coordinator, having held the position at various points in his career, including two stints at Richmond, Indiana in 2004, and most recently with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 under Urban Meyer. Notably, Cullen served as the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2016-2020, collaborating with then-defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, akin to Michigan’s last two coordinators, Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter.
Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL
Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL
Having familiarity with the system employed by Macdonald and Minter, Cullen could seamlessly integrate into the defensive coordinator role at Michigan. Given the NFL attention he is attracting, securing Cullen would be a notable achievement for Moore and the Wolverines. Cullen also brings local experience, having served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2006-08, albeit during challenging times for the franchise under then-head coach Rod Marinelli.