Report: Michigan expected to hire Lou Esposito from Memphis as new defensive line coach
Michigan is making a big move regarding their coaching staff, poaching a sitting assistant from the Memphis Tigers.
According to Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports, the Wolverines are expected to hire Memphis assistant Lou Esposito as its new defensive line coach. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan.
Zenitz shared the news to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday, as the Wolverines continues to remake their coaching staff in 2024.
“Michigan is expected to hire Memphis’ Lou Esposito as its new defensive line coach, sources tell @247Sports,” Zenitz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Was previously defensive coordinator at Western Michigan.
“Led the way for the MAC’s No. 2 ranked scoring defense in 2022 and has developed players like current early-round NFL draft prospect Marshawn Kneeland.”
Alas, Michigan hasn’t been shy about making changes to their coaching staff in 2024. We’ll see how Lou Esposito fits in for the Wolverines moving forward.
Sherrone Moore, Michigan hire Ohio State assistant Tony Alford as new RB coach
In other Michigan news, Ohio State assistant Tony Alford has officially crossed over to enemy lines. Earlier this offseason, Michigan announced he will be the Wolverines’ next running backs coach.
After spending the last nine seasons with the Buckeyes, Alford will be departing from Ryan Day‘s staff and newly hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He will now join Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore in his first season at the helm following three straight wins over Ohio State, three straight Big Ten title wins, and a national championship victory this past season.
“Tony is an elite running backs coach who is an outstanding mentor and example for young men in all aspects of football and life,” Moore said in a statement. “I know that he will have a profound impact on our running back room and football program. We are excited to have Tony and his wife, Trina, and their boys join the Michigan Football Family.”
Alford is regarded as one of the best running back recruiters and coaches in the country, coaching proven NFL pros like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins along with other decorated rushers like Mike Weber and TreVeyon Henderson. With the Buckeyes not boasting a 1,000-yard rusher in just three of his nine seasons in Columbus. Also promoted to run game coordinator and assistant head coach for offense during his tenure at Ohio State.
Alas, Tony Alford brings over two decades of running back coach experience to the table for the Wolverines, replacing former standout rusher and running backs coach Mike Hart after it was confirmed earlier that he would not be returning to Michigan following three seasons with the program.