Michigan football: Defensive line coach Shaun Nua to USC
As reported in last week’s Inside the Fort, Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua was being targeted by other schools to fill their open positions. Some were looking at him as a defensive coordinator.
Nua has now accepted a job as USC’s defensive line coach. Yahoo’s Pete Thamel was the first to report this morning.
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Nua was a finalist for the FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year award. He coached the Michigan interior line this year (defensive tackles), but also got credit for helping coach Heisman Trophy finalist Aidan Hutchison and David Ojabo. The rush ends are expected to be first round NFL draft picks.
Hutchinson thanked Nua and head coach Jim Harbaugh for inspiring him during his Lombardi Award acceptance speech.
“They’ve really made a mark on my life in regards to football and in regards to life and giving life lessons,” Hutchinson said. “I’m so grateful for them really guiding me on this journey through football and life.”
Nua came to Michigan from Arizona State. His group was one of the most improved on the field this year.
“I think we all looked at that at the beginning of the season and said, ‘We’re a little thin there on the interior line.’ But we’re good — we’re good enough,” Harbaugh said before Michigan played Iowa in the Big Ten title game. “That position has exceeded expectations. Mazi Smith, Chris Hinton have been tremendous. And Jess Speight has been really good.
“Donovan Jeter’s had his best year. He’s really come into realizing most all of his potential. I think there’s still more. But what he’s done on and off the field has been a huge leap and huge growth. That’s another group where they’ve got a great connection with Shaun Nua. He’s as passionate as any coach. Also, one of the committed that stayed and did a tremendous job.”
Now the Michigan line coach will head to the West Coast to coach for new USC head man Lincoln Riley.
Harbaugh is being targeted by NFL teams, as well. If he stays at Michigan, he could tab Ryan Osborn, an analyst on this year’s squad, to fill Nua’s role.
Watch for more on this development in the hours and days to come.
