Just as it seemed like Michigan football was on the path to stability this offseason, the team faced another setback with the departure of Steve Clinkscale, who is leaving the Wolverines to join the Chargers, as reported by Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider.
This news comes as a surprise, especially considering that Clinkscale had previously informed players and coaches that he intended to stay. While Jim Harbaugh had expressed interest in retaining Clinkscale, financial considerations seemed to pose a hurdle. However, it appears that obstacle has been overcome, leading to Clink’s departure, following the exits of Ben Herbert, Mike Elston, Jay Harbaugh, and Jesse Minter.
The status of Mike Hart remains uncertain, and the turnover in the defensive coaching staff is significant. While Wink Martindale’s hiring is promising, his strengths may not lie in recruiting, and the Wolverines have lost their top recruiters on the defensive side of the ball.
Sherrone Moore, the remaining coach, faces a challenging task ahead. Furthermore, key players in the secondary and defensive line are now without their position coaches. Under Clink’s guidance, Michigan football had achieved three consecutive top-20 pass defenses, indicating his impact on the team’s defensive performance.
Although the decision to bypass Clink for the defensive coordinator position may have been made in the hopes of maintaining continuity, his departure means there will be significant changes, apart from the defensive scheme. While there is trust in Moore’s capabilities, finding the right fit for the defensive line and secondary coaching positions is crucial. Failure to do so could result in player discontent and potential transfers, leading to a rapid rebuilding process for the 2024 season.
