Scott Shafer Out
Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer resigned today, which appears to have been a mutual decision between head coach Rich Rodriguez and Shafer. Shafer had an extremely rough first year at Michigan, coaching a defense that allowed almost 30 points per game.
I think Scott Shafer has the potential to be a really good head coach some day at a MAC or Big East level, but I think he was clearly over his head at Michigan. If he lands on his feet as a MAC defensive coordinator, he should hit the ground running and will be a pretty good coach.
What you'll see in the next defensive coordinator
While head coach Rich Rodriguez spends very little time with the defense relative to how much he spends with the offense, still expect Rodriguez to hire a person who shares his defensive philosophy.
That philosophy?
- 3-3-5 defense. Expect it to happen, Rich Rodriguez loves this defense and thinks its the best defense for his overall philosophy of..
- Creating Turnovers. He wants his offense to have the ball as often and as quickly as possible. He wants the ball back in his enemy's territory constantly.
- And finally, he wants big plays on defense. Sacks, interceptions, fumbles, he is willing to allow his players to take risks if they have a chance at creating turnovers. While people look at the oPPG numbers of Rich's defenses at WVU, the one thing they all share is causing a lot of turnovers.
What I'm hearing will happen...
A lot of fans have thrown out names from former Auburn coordinator Jeff Rhoads to former Michigan defensive backs coach Vance Bedford. If this search drags out, I'd expect Michigan to possibly go at someone at another program or currently on the market, but I don't think that this decision will take long.
In my opinion, Rich Rodriguez will choose current linebackers coach Jay Hopson as his defensive coordinator in the very near future, as soon as the beginning of next week.
Hopson fits perfectly with what the overall philosophy of Rodriguez's plans includes. Hopson is a guy who ran the 3-3-5 with much success at Southern Mississippi. A lot of people do not know this, but when Hopson was hired, he was hired as a "defensive coach". A lot of people, including myself, thought/hoped that Hopson would become the defensive coordinator, not Shafer.
The 3-3-5 Defense
Yes, I could hear you mentally moan as you read that the 3-3-5 stack would make an appearance at Michigan. And I, like you, have my doubts about the defense.
I have no doubts that against teams that spread things out that it works. It creates turnovers and puts athletes on the field to make plays -- creating turnovers.
I won't go as far to say I have doubts about it "working in the Big Ten", but I do have doubts about it working against a select teams in the conference who are going to run it down your throat constantly(Michigan State, Wisconsin to name a few).
Personally...
I'd prefer a four man line. I would like to see us utilize a 4-2-5, but I don't think thats going to happen. If you'll recall, the players wanted to play four down linemen in a game this past year, and appealed to the coaches to get it changed.
I'd be alright with a 3 man line as long as the linemen are protected from getting manhandled all day. |
