Steve Clinkscale reportedly accepts coaching position at Michigan

Jacob Noger | UK Football

One of Mark Stoops’ most important assistant coaches is leaving Lexington.

Steve Clinkscale has reportedly agreed to join Jim Harbuagh’s staff at the University of Michigan. According to Sam Webb of 247 Sports, Clinkscale will be the defensive passing game coordinator defensive backs coach for the Wolverines. The three-year deal offers Clinkscale an opportunity to be promoted to co-defensive coordinator in years two and three.

Clinkscale has been an exceptional recruiter since he joined Stoops’ staff in 2016 as defensive backs coach. Recently promoted to defensive passing game coordinator, Clinkscale opened a recruiting pipeline in the state of Michigan, bringing the state’s top prospects to UK in 2018, Marquan McCall, and 2020, Justin Rogers. Rogers is the highest-ranked UK signee in the internet era.

Three of Clinkscale’s recruits — LB DeAndre Square, S Yusuf Corker and OT Jeremy Flax — are expected to be starters when UK’s season opens against UL-Monroe Sept. 4. Clinkscale also secured commitments from three four-star recruits in UK’s top 10 2022 recruiting class, ATH Jeremiah Caldwell and the Wade twins.

In addition to being one of the top recruiters on Stoops’ staff, Clinkscale helped UK’s pass defense rank first in consecutive seasons. This fall the Wildcats must replace two starters at cornerback. Finding someone to replace Coach Clink’s production will be a difficult task for Mark Stoops.

[247 Sports]