Updated: Michigan linebacker coach Jay Hopson headed to Memphis

This program is falling apart.

This will be a great "addition by subtraction." Hopson was a big disappointment, both for failing to get recruits from his territory and for the performance of his position players. Apparently, Memphis sees something in him that a lot of UM fans can't: more power to them. Good luck to Hopson and good luck to Memphis, but I am definitely happy with this move.

Although he didn't have much to work with, 3 star obi was better as a sophomore than a junior and mouton was always lost. Hobson was a liability and needed to go. His players regressed. He couldn't recruit, either - his area of strength was the deep south (especially Mississippi)and he laid a big goose egg in two years.

The program will be stronger moving forward. Coach Hopson, as someone else said, didn't have much to work with and worked with two different coordinators in a many years. I wish him well at Memphis. I had heard he and his wife didn't like the weather in Michigan and I wish them well in Memphis!

Tater, you've been happy with everything under RR. Losing seasons, NCAA investigations, transfers, low morale... just the overall destruction of the program. I surely hope that you leave with RR once he's kicked out of Ann Arbor.

I would have to say this is great. I haven't liked Hopson all year and prayed RR would oust him anyway. Now maybe RR will let G-Rob bring in a guy he's worked with in the past who is familiar with the scheme he is attempting to install here. Familiarity amongst coaches is understated.

So Tater, who else do you think will leave the program? Or is everyone else just perfect for you? Linebackers are overated anyway. I'm sure RR has some Freshmen sensation 190lb. linebackers ready to step in.

Well, for about the first time, I agree with tater. I think Hopson probably wanted out to go back to the south--but it makes no sense to me. A coordinator position? Based on what? 2 of the worst statistical years in Michigan football history.

Good luck to him and to Memphis, but this was a blessing to Rodriguez. Let's see him hire somebody who knows MIchigan football and defense. It'd be a good start.

Thank God!!! I can't believe I agree with Tater on this, but Hopson was a train wreck. The best part of this is that Robinson will be able to hire his own assistant, at least for the LB's.

Good news all around.

Wow, definitely a blessing in disguise. The inside linebackers were Hopson's responsibility and that position group regressed despite an increase in experience level. The next hire is extremely important for Michigan football and Rich Rodriguez going forward.

Sounds like a step up, Michigan to Memphis.

I have yet to see evidence that RR has the ability to surround himself with quality people so I am skeptical that any new position coach will necessarily be an improvement.

The one position coach i would like to see gone is his buddy Gibson.

I wish he would take RR with him.

heartbreakM, Tater
".....A coordinator position? Based on what? 2 of the worst statistical years in Michigan football history....."
".....Apparently, Memphis sees something in him that a lot of UM fans can't....."
Sounds like something that can also be said about our D Coordinator Robinson. Wasnt he a "Come from nowhere and did nothing but loose" guy before he came to michigan?

Maybe there will be an opening at Minnesota State for Coach Hayden Fox...er Craig T. Nelson...er Coach Hopson...

I agree with Tater.

Again, defense means nothing. And we're all totally behind the King's commitment to a quicker-than-lightning offense. Lloyd completely lost touch with how to play winning football. Our King is righting the ship.
Thanks for all your support this year, fans and friends. I am full of wisdom and, along with tater, happy to be your leader.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Theo,
I hate to break the news, but you are no one's leader, simply tater's most ardent follower. I do agree with one thing you said, though:
Merry Christmas!!!

Thanks, az.
Yeah, I know I'm full of bs, but I have fun nonetheless. Merry Christmas right back at ya, and always, Go Blue!

This is VERY good news. The people who hate Rich Rod will pretend like this guy was a GOD as a linebacker coach (yet they probably never knew his name before this article) just so they can continue to bash every article about Michigan will Rodriguez is coach. I am so glad I am not as miserable and spoiled as some of the michigan "fans" who bash every bit of news out of Ann Arbor these days.

Its OK RR can pickup defensive coordinator Corwin Brown who played UM, is a great recruiter. Sources say Brown is not coordinating the defense for ND anymore since Kelly took over, RR should offer Brown the job then it'll be aight. Yeah ND wasnt good last year but it was that the ND defense SUCKED not the coaching. RR should hire Brown no-brainer. GO BLUE!!!!

The LB play was some of the worst ive ever seen, thank god this guys gone let Gregg pick his guy or the cat from nd but he coached DBs not Lbs need a Lbs coach im sure GR knows someone. I think are D is gonna be better next year..if a few freshmen step up ash cullen marv speed and power. Go Blue.

*Let the haters hate*

If they play a traditional 4-3 I think that they can improve the defense with a larger front four.(At least the DT's) Then it will free up our tiny LB's to make plays.
And truthfully, everyone is so down on the LB corps that we had this past season but it was not the kids, it was the scheme! The O-line was constantly getting to our LB's which opened up the defense like a sieve

Please, God, let him take NimRod with him!

The King will score 50+ points per game in '10. We won't even need linebackers.
Go offense!

Theo, RR will score 50 on every 1AA opponent they face next year, and 3 in every big ten game.

This negativity from fellow Michigan fans is sickening.

How do you look yourselves in the mirror every day?

I also wonder how, as a troll, you can really devote THIS much time to spewing your hateful diatribes. Some people on here really have issues.

Let's say this is an opportunity for improvement. Think of all the possible coaches that are available. Like a kid in a candy factory! Rich could even hire his father like Lane at Tennessee and Jim at Stanford.
GO BLUE ALWAYS

GO BLUE> Those that stay will be CHAMPIONS!!!!

All the way in 2010

Actually Hopson and his family really don't like the Michigan weather and are moving south to be closer to family. Got a two year contract and a nice raise.