The Michigan Insider's Josh Henschke got the scoop last night on Michigan's assistant coaching search: John Beilein has reportedly hired Illinois State assistant DeAndre Haynes for one of the two open spots. Haynes hasn't actually coached for ISU; he was hired there in May, and Beilein obviously coveted him if he was willing to put another program into such a tough spot.
When Billy Donlon departed, multiple hoops insiders mentioned that Beilein would try to fill the two open spots with an experienced coach and a younger up-and-comer. Haynes fits the latter bill with the added benefit of being a local guy. A standout point guard at Detroit Southwestern, he went on to be a four-year starter for Kent State and won MAC player of the year as a senior. He left KSU as their all-time leader in assists and steals before spending six season playing pro ball overseas.
After his playing career, Haynes returned to Kent State as an assistant in 2012, spending four seasons in that role before taking the same position on Toledo's bench last season when the Rockets offered a contract he couldn't turn down after he'd previously passed on opportunities to leave his alma mater. He's coached under a couple successful mid-major coaches in Tod Kowalczyk and Rob Senderoff.
ISU planned to have Haynes focus on coaching their guards, and he could have a similar role at Michigan. The other assistant coach spot remains open. Director of Player Personnel Chris Hunter will presumably continue to serve as an interim assistant with permission to recruit until that spot is filled.
Haynes may not be a big name, but he's about the same age as LaVall Jordan and Bacari Alexander were when Beilein hired that pair. That worked out alright.