Michigan football has finalized its defensive coaching staff, as announced by head coach Kyle Whittingham. Hill, already named as the defensive coordinator, will lead a team that includes several key figures in various positions.
Alongside Hill, Jernaro Gilford will take charge of coaching the defensive backs, while Alex Whittingham will oversee the linebackers. Lewis Powell is set to manage the defensive ends and edges, and Lou Esposito, who has been part of Michigan”s coaching setup for the past two seasons, will continue as the defensive line coach. Additionally, David Denham will remain on staff as a defensive line analyst.
The formal announcement regarding the coaching staff was made on Saturday. Kerry Coombs has been appointed as the special teams coordinator, with Garrett Clawson retained as the assistant special teams coach.
Gilford arrives after spending the last ten seasons at BYU, where he coached cornerbacks and was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2025. Powell has a rich history with Whittingham, having been part of the Utah coaching staff for 11 of the last 17 seasons. Meanwhile, Alex Whittingham, who is Kyle”s son, has been involved with the Kansas City Chiefs” defensive staff since 2018 and served as the assistant defensive line coach in 2025.
In other news, Michigan”s starting offensive tackle Andrew Sprague has entered the NCAA transfer portal, as confirmed by Michigan spokesman Dave Ablauf. Sprague, who has three years of eligibility remaining, made his first start at right tackle during the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama on December 31, 2024. He participated in every regular-season game in 2025 but missed the Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.
Sprague has received recognition as an All-Big Ten honorable mention by coaches and media.
Similarly, another Michigan offensive lineman, Jake Guarnera, has also announced his entry into the transfer portal, making him the second starting offensive lineman to do so. Guarnera was confirmed in the portal on Saturday, shortly after Sprague”s announcement. Additionally, offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn entered the portal on the same day.
During the 2025 season, Guarnera started 11 games and transitioned from right guard to center in the Citrus Bowl due to an injury to starter Greg Crippen. He also received All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.
In a recent media session, Guarnera expressed optimism about Whittingham”s leadership, stating that he aims to restore discipline and focus on winning within the program. He noted that discipline was a concern under former head coach Sherrone Moore.
