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Michigan

Jay Harbaugh named Special Teams Coordinator of the Year

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome01/04/22anthonytbroome
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(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Michigan football has rounded up no shortage of honors after its 2021 season. The trophy case became a bit more crowded on Tuesday afternoon.

Michigan assistant Jay Harbaugh was named FootballScoop’s Special Teams Coordinator of the Year on Tuesday. The award was selected by former winners of the honor.

“From a 2-4 disappointment to a Big Ten championship and an inaugural College Football Playoff berth, Michigan was one of the best stories of 2021,” the release from FootballScoop wrote. “Such a turnaround requires excellence in all three phases. Indeed, the Wolverines were quite good on offense and defense, and their special teams unit was the best in the nation.”

Michigan’s kickoff coverage allowed only 14 returns this season on 99 kicks, allowing a total of 170 yards (12.1 yards per return). FootballScoop pointed out that the Wolverines allowed only 11 yards on two returns against Ohio State. Iowa did not have any kick returns in the Big Ten Championship game. As far as the punting game goes, Michigan allowed nine returns for 35 yards this year. That mark was good for the 14th-fewest in the nation.

Michigan’s kick return unit averaged 10.1 yards per return and took a kickoff back for a touchdown this season. Harbaugh’s unit had both a fake punt and trick play on a kick return this season, adding some fireworks to the special teams display.

Lou Groza Award-winning kicker Jake Moody played a huge role in the special teams’ success. He made 23-of-25 field goals this season and converted on all 56 of his extra-point attempts.

Lastly, the Wolverines tied for eighth in the country with four blocked kicks or punts.

Harbaugh has been with the program as long as his father, head coach Jim Harbaugh, has. He was part of his dad’s first staff at Michigan in 2015 and has also coached the tight ends and running backs in his seven years in Ann Arbor. Harbaugh helmed the tight ends room this season.

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