Jim Harbaugh announces Grant Newsome, Michigan football staff moves

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has completed his offensive staff moves, and they are intriguing. Former graduate assistant Grant Newsome is now the tight ends coach, with Jay Harbaugh moving to safeties.

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Newsome was expected to join Harbaugh in Minnesota if Harbaugh got the Vikings job, so his promotion isn’t surprising. He’s been a well-respected figure in the building since injury ended his playing days in 2017.

“Grant has been a positive, motivating force within our coaching staff since he joined us as a student assistant,” Harbaugh said. “We have had a front-row seat to Grant’s development as a coach and are excited that he has chosen to accept our offer to become a full-time assistant.

“He is a future star in this profession, and our players really respect what Grant is teaching on the field and the insight that he shares from life experiences. We are excited to have Grant and his wife, Coco, continue as key members of the Michigan Football family.”

Newsome helped coach the offensive line the last two years, a group that allowed only 22 sacks and 61 tackles for loss in 1,354 offensive plays. Michigan also led the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed per contest last year (2.43 avg.) and was fifth in fewest sacks allowed (1.0 avg.).

The team ranked 17th in the NCAA in tackles for loss allowed (4.5 avg.) and was also 18th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.5 avg.) during the 2020 season.

Newsome was also a student assistant coach helping with the tight ends for two seasons (2018-19).

Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss will co-coordinate the offense for the Wolverines. Moore is in his second season as co-offensive coordinator and o-line coach. Weiss will continue coaching the quarterbacks and adds co-coordinator duties.

Former Michigan receiver Ron Bellamy, meanwhile, will make the move to wide receivers coach. He coached safeties last year. Mike Hart will add duties as the run game coordinator and continue to coach running backs. Graduate assistant coach Stephen Adegoke is also a piece in his second season with the program. He’ll move to the offensive side of the ball and assist Bellamy with the receivers.

“We have great chemistry among the coaches on our offensive staff,” Harbaugh said “The teamwork has been exceptional. Everyone has been integral to our offensive success and each coach’s contribution has and will continue to be valued.

“Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Matt Weiss will share play-calling duties with our objective being to maximize our players’ talents and put them in the best position to be successful. I am excited about the leadership and coaching of our offensive staff.”

Jay Harbaugh will continue to coach special teams, as well. He was the Football Scoop Special Team Coordinator of the Year and also one of four to earn National Special Teams Coordinator of the Year honors, presented by the MJ Morgan Group. Michigan had the nation’s No. 1-ranked special teams in 2021 according to Football Outsiders.

As reported yesterday, Harbaugh is expected to announce Vanderbilt’s Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator soon.

Michigan offensive coaching staff for 2022

Sherrone Moore – Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator/Donald C. Graham Offensive Line Coach

Matt Weiss – Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Ron Bellamy – Wide Receivers

Mike Hart – Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs

Grant Newsome – Tight Ends

Jay Harbaugh – Special Teams Coordinator (and safeties)