[UM Bentley Library]
Via Sam Webb, one of Michigan’s most successful assistants is returning to Ann Arbor:
@SamWebb77 reports Greg Frey has officially been hired as Michigan's OT/TE Coach (formerly Indiana's O-lin coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator)
— The Michigan Insider (@michiganinsider) January 25, 2017
Frey is one of the few things about the Rodriguez era that everyone would be elated to have back. In his short time here he recruited and developed 3/5ths (Omameh, Schofield and Lewan) of Michigan offensive lineman currently in the NFL, as well as Ricky Barnum. When Rodriguez was let go Frey was instantly snatched up by Indiana, where he developed Jason Spriggs and Dan Feeney. He also ran a lot more power at Indiana than under Rodriguez, if you’re worried about zone versus gap-style. I was worried when Ohio State hired (lately Indiana HC) Kevin Wilson that Frey might come with him. Bringing Frey back to Michigan might not have just given us another all-star assistant; it also possibly just deprived Urban Meyer of one.
It does mean a few shifted jobs on the current staff. Drevno will apparently now be focusing on the interior OL, while Frey takes the tackles and tight ends. With the youngest OL group since we have data—and Michigan likely to start a true freshman at one or both tackle spots—putting some extra coaching resources there makes a lot of sense. Several readers pointed out today that move also sets them up to transition smoothly if Drevno ever takes a head coaching position. A solid recruiter, Frey may also help Michigan close on a few of their tackle prospects.
That appears to mean Jay Harbaugh shifts to running backs for now. That could be for good, or they could wait and see if that extra full-time assistant rule passes and bring in someone for RBs while finding other duties for Jay.
UPDATE: JayBaugh to RBs official:
#Michigan assistant @JayHarbaugh is the new running backs coach for the Wolverines. pic.twitter.com/JDcVwQpJdh
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) January 25, 2017