Updated: Michigan linebacker coach Jay Hopson headed to Memphis

"We appreciate all that Jay and his family did for Michigan," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said in a statement. "I am happy that Jay had the opportunity to become a defensive coordinator again, and know that he will do well. We wish him success at Memphis."

Hopson, who spent the last 2 years coaching linebackers for the Wolverines, previously served 3 seasons as defensive coordinator at Southern Mississippi, Memphis' Conference USA rival.

Michigan's linebackers, like the defense as a whole, were an overall disappointment this year. Middle linebacker Obi Ezeh lost his starting job after eight games, and weak-side linebacker Jonas Mouton was benched late in the season. Strong-side linebacker Stevie Brown led the Wolverines in tackles in his first year playing the position after moving from safety.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.