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Posted on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.

Fred Jackson grateful for chance to return to Michigan football coaching staff

By Pete Bigelow

FRED-JACKSON.jpg

Longtime Michigan assistant football coach Fred Jackson is part of Brady Hoke's staff and already is out recruiting.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Once, Fred Jackson and Brady Hoke were good-natured opponents.

Hoke coached the Michigan football team’s defensive linemen and Jackson coached the running backs. Every day, the two units went head to head in practice.

“He used to tell his guys that if they couldn’t beat blocks from the running backs that they couldn’t play for him,” Jackson remembered Friday.

The two coaches will be reunited on the Michigan staff again.

Hoke, now Michigan’s new football coach, met with Jackson for approximately 15 minutes Wednesday night and offered him a job as running backs coach.

By Thursday morning, he was already on the road recruiting.

It’s the same position Gary Moeller hired him for in 1992 and the same one he coached for Rich Rodriguez the past three years. Jackson has been at Michigan the past 19 seasons.

When the entire coaching staff was fired last week, he wasn’t sure of his future.

Other schools approached him about job opportunities, but he took a wait-and-see stance. Other schools may have offered employment, but they didn’t have the one thing that mattered most.

“I didn’t care about the money,” Jackson said. “The opportunity to coach my son has been so special to me, and I wanted to see what would happen at Michigan.”

Jeremy Jackson is a 6-foot-3 wide receiver on the Wolverines who just completed his freshman season.

Fred Jackson’s hiring is the second on Hoke’s staff since he assumed control Wednesday. Al Borges, Hoke’s offensive coordinator at San Diego State, will hold the same job in Ann Arbor.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has reported that recruiting coordinator Jeff Hecklinski, offensive line coach Darrell Funk and linebackers coach Mark Smith will also follow Hoke from the Aztecs to the Wolverines.

Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2551, via e-mail at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.

Comments

Dusty

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.

Blu-n-Tpa... did you actually just suggest that hiring Hoke was more important than hiring Bo? That's like saying your UM degree is more important than your actual birth. It's nice, but let's not get crazy. You DO have a degree from UM, right?

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.

lawrencelaundry "I like Hoke and hope he succeeds but if he fails, then I put this on DB, LCarr, and sue coleman. They are the ones behind the scenes of why Les Miles was not hired. Even Bob Greise said it himself." "Joe schad from espn even had close sources to Miles ndicating he would except the the position when offered. Except when they most likely low balled him an offer he said no. I believe its a insult to offer a proven coach with a NC and 4 11 win seasons a lower offer then he is currently making. This is of course speculation and talk of analysts that I've been hearing. It just makes perfect sense with LCarr favoring HoKe." Perhaps it would be better to not believe everything you hear, especially when it has to do with some wacky LC conspiracy theory or "expert" speculation. Also it seems Les Miles didn't want to come back to UM that bad. I like LM, but with BH's passion and desire it seems he is a better hire.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:26 a.m.

@larrylaundry The DFP reported that LM WAS offered up to $500,000 more a YEAR during talks with Michigan. That means no one disrespected him and that although he "loves" Michigan he likes not having to work too hard to get the southern recruits to go to LSU. He has built a successful program there and now, in his late 50's he wants to enjoy it. No problem. At this stage Michigan NEEDS to have a COACH who eat, sleeps and drinks (water mostly) Michigan football. Given the talk of Michigan's demise and that it's fallen out of "elite" status, this hire is the most important one in the last 75 years, if not ever. DB did as good of a job as was possible. He looked around, made a list and worked it until he got what was the best fit available. Now it's on Coach Hoke to get the players and coaches he needs to put the program back on the right track. Go Blue!

Charles

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.

I hear all you guys but I still like Jim Herrmann as DC 20 years at Michigan with some of the strongest Defenses we have ever known. Yet I have no idea whether or not he would even consider it.

Solar Blue

Sun, Jan 16, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.

More good news, Fred Jackson is a class act and an excellent representative of the University of Michigan. On top of that, he is an outstanding recruiter that has developed a strong network with high school coaches around the country. I am confident that Coach Hoke will round out his coaching staff with other strong coaches as well. His passion for improving the team, being accountable, and building more toughness will rub off on his coaching staff and the team.

Dusty

Sun, Jan 16, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.

Actually, Barwis and Wellman have similar phylosophies: They both believe in trading bad weight for good weight, and that raw explosive power is inefficient, and needs to come with the ability to translate that power into a variety of football-specific movements (or the movements specific to whatever sport you are training for).

truebluefan

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.

azwolverine and lorain -- I heard Barwis is headed to San Diego State.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.

Lorain, I agree Trgovac would be a fantastic choice for D coordinator, however I don't know that he would be willing to leave the NFL to come back...NFL assistants make a lot more than college assistants. It would be nice, though, if Brandon actually uses some of the money he was going to use on Harbaugh to ensure that Hoke gets the staff in place that he wants. If not Trgovac, I've also heard Vance Bedford's name thrown around. He coached here for a while as well (with Hoke if I'm not mistaken) and would also be a good fit for UM.

1st Down

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.

good post lorraine...I hope that we get some better special teams coaching...our kickers could use some private coaching too... it will be interesting if Hoke gets someone dedicated to special teams or not....

Lorain Steelmen

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.

azwolverine. 1.I have heard that Barwis is leaving. Not surprizing. I look for him to follow RR, wherever RR 'lands', FWIW...The OC went to Univ. of Pittsburgh. 2.Hoke was a relative unknown for me. Sure, I wanted Miles, but my gut tells me that Miles is a 'me first' guy, so LSU is probably a 'great' place for him. Hoke has no curb appeal, but I'll take passion and commitment, any day! And in a crazy way, Hoke is the kind of guy, that Brandon can use to 're-create' the 'M Brand' Hoke pounds the podium, in true Bo fashion, he looks his players (and the media) in the eye, when he talks to them. He'll drive the kids hard, but in the end, they'll run through a wall for him. I thought DRob's decision to stay was 'telling' for BOTH, DRob, and for Hoke. Note: Hoke MUST get a strong DC, and supporting D coaches. I have floated the 'Mike Trgovac candidacy', only because I think a strong ex-Michigan defensive player, would substantiate Hoke's mantra there. But more importantly, Hoke must get passionate assistants, if he is to succeed. (One other comment..did anyone else notice, the emphasis that Frank Beamer @ VaTech places on his special teams? Wow. those kids HIT, and wrap up!!Witness the Cotton Bowl..VERY impressive!!! Coach Hoke, please take note! It's about 'attitude'. Good luck to our new coach..I have a hunch that all of us fans are in for 10 or 12 years of fun...Go BIG Blue!

TrueBlueinOH

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.

Pretty sure Barwis is gone. Saw a tweet from Devin Gardner saying goodbye to him.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.

By the way, has anybody heard whether Barwis is going to continue working with the football team? I know Hoke has his own strength coach who is known for packing slabs of muscle on players and turning small guys into big, strong nasties in the trenches. This seems to run counter to what Barwis likes to do. With opposing philosophies, it seems to me that Barwis and Wellman(?) might not work well together...not something we need at this point. Just wondering because I haven't heard anything about it.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.

lawrence, You're right, it certainly is more risky than Miles. However, if you want to give Hoke an opportunity to succeed, undermining him and questioning his ability before he even begins isn't going to help him any. Give him a shot. I was dissappointed when Miles didn't come (it was the SECOND TIME he was my #1 choice!), but nobody really knows the details of why other than he and DB. Hoke was my third choice, though, so at least I wasn't on my knees screaming, "WHY?!" like in the movies. That said, any disappointment I may have felt washed away in a wave of pride and fist pumping enthusiasm when I saw Hoke's press conference. Incredible! He gets EVERYTHING about UM football! He loves UM as much as ANY fan! He will give his last drop of blood to beat 'that school in Ohio' and put Michigan back on top. All thoughts of any other coach went out that window after that. Then, keeping DRob and rehiring Fred Jackson...great first 1/2 week. Give him a shot...for whatever reason, the other coaches didn't come...it's all spilt milk now and I could honestly care less. I'm 100% behind OUR guy! Go Hoke! Go Blue!

lawrencelaundry

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.

Blu-n-tpa. Its been known for a long time that LM has a strong love and desire for him t coach in AA. Joe schad from espn even had close sources to Miles ndicating he would except the the position when offered. Except when they most likely low balled him an offer he said no. I believe its a insult to offer a proven coach with a NC and 4 11 win seasons a lower offer then he is currently making. This is of course speculation and talk of analysts that I've been hearing. It just makes perfect sense with LCarr favoring HoKe. Doesn't matter anymore., just Hope Hoke don't choke. If he does, this can be the start of a long decay of michigan football. Which most likely would have not happened with miles, as his history has shown by his record and ability to be a monster recruitor. I like Hoke, but its just a risky move in my opinion.

BigH_16

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.

A no brainer to hire Fred back...can anyone tell me who the candidates are for DC?? and who is the best option and not just a big name please.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.

@tt Coach Jackson is a very good RB coach, although the way he was treated by the last coach was questionable. Heck the way RBs were used was suspect. Coach Jackson is a GREAT recruiter overall and has contacts with high school coaches around the midwest and beyond. He will be needed to keep as much of this year recruits as possible. Being at Michigan for 20 years doesn't hurt.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 11:43 a.m.

@LL Which way? LM wanted to use UM to get a longer contract at LSU or DB wanted him to say no so he could get BH? AND how do you know?

tulsatom

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 9:37 a.m.

Regardless of the reason, I am happy for Fred.

tulsatom

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 9:33 a.m.

I know that Hoke and Jackson know each other well so familiarity must have been involved in the decison to keep him. However, I find it irnoic that each time a new coaching staff comes, whether they know Jackson or not, he is the only one who doesn't get fired and I find that interesting. He either must be an outstanding position coach or else they are keeping him because of his son is on the team and they don't want to lose his son. Could it be something else?

lawrencelaundry

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 8:59 a.m.

Blu-ntpa, why would Les take a pay cut for him and staff to go to AA? It was intended for him to decline.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 7:20 a.m.

@larrylaundry "I like Hoke and hope he succeeds, but if he fails I put this on DB, LCarr and sue coleman." First and only blame will go to DB. His decision all the way, he knows it, we know it. I guessed you missed when DB said during the PC that he had "total antonomy" with this hire. Bob Greise said Michigan should hire LM? And you think the University President Coleman picked up the phone and nixed it, too? Base on what? Coleman said she wasn't in the loop for making the decision and I believe her. Les Miles had his chance, thought about, declined to move back to AA. Over. Done. (LM will be around 60 in 3 plus years. If he didn't move now what makes you think he'll move then?) Selection of the DC will be huge. No question, and if BH takes his time with this, or has to wait until all the candidates are available, so be it. He has enough experience to know what type of players he needs for his defense. Go get them! Go Blue.

Evelyn Griffin

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 6:17 a.m.

mmm...let me see...we pay Hoke a huge salary because WE think he is capable of putting together a winning coachin staff, finding the right players, AND winning against Ohio. BUT, the minute he makes a decision, we armchair his decision. Cool it and let the man do his job. EvieG

lawrencelaundry

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.

Hoke better get top notch assistants or he's in trouble. I like Hoke and hope he succeeds but if he fails, then I put this on DB, LCarr, and sue coleman. They are the ones behind the scenes of why Les Miles was not hired. Even Bob Greise said it himself. Lately it seems Michigan is cheap and does not want to let go of the 70s and still wants to pay coaches the same as it was 30 yrs ago. Its a gutsy call hiring Hoke, and if its bad 3 yrs from now let's hope the smart ones that made this decision didn't burn the bridge with Les Miles when everyone knew Les wanted the job. Go Hoke and go Blue.

BillMK

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.

Competence + experience + dedication + decency = Fred Jackson = class personified.

MjC

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.

Welcome back Mr. Jackson (and let's go blue)!

azwolverine

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.

Great move by Hoke. Along with Borges, the O-line coach (Funk), and now Jackson, the offensive staff is off to a strong start. I don't know if Hoke will coach the D-line here like he's done at other schools in the past, but just his defensive mindset is already a plus for bringing our D back to respectability. I'm anxious to see if this new staff can gather in some much needed recruits to finish up this year's class. I'm stoked about what's going on so far!

djuninho

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.

@ Dusty Haupt: Hoke answered your question in his introductory press conference... he ran the 3-3-5 at SDSU because of all the flexibility it offered him, and he talked about varying the formations in 2-4-5, blitz packages, etc.... Trgo might be just the man...

djuninho

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

Hmmm... I'm sure Denard asked Hoke in their meeting about whom he had in mind for QB coach... I hope Hoke responded like this: "Scot Loeffler turned Tim Tebow, a run-first spread-option QB like you, into an NFL 1st-rounder in ONE year... is that reason enough to stay Mr. Robinson?"...

townie54

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.

jim hermann is older than joe pa isnt he?Lets just let the new coach hire his own assistants.When you guys become coaches you can hire who you want

A2Boy

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.

Way to go Coach Hoke! Anyone would be hard pressed to find a more humble person then Fred Jackson. Coach Jackson is a selfless individual and has no doubt played a key role in many players lives both on and off the field. For those with any doubt, watch him at work on the sidelines on Saturday afternoons. He puts in more hours in a week then most of us put in in a month and his work eithic is second to none. He is no doublt the true definition of a Michigan Man!

missionbrazil

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.

Welcome back Brady Hoke. Welcome back Fred Jackson. DRob and Mike Martin staying. Great start so far.

MichandWVU

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.

Not sure the talent is there on the defense. You could bring in Buddy Ryan and I'm not sure he could whip the little talent they have into a good defense. RR's staff was hopeless. Anyone remember Carson Butler starting at DE in the 2008 Purdue game? Good Lord, RR putting Will Campbell at guard? Let's find a place on the front line for a five star recruit.

D21

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.

Tater might have a shot as the team's Kool Aid boy.

D21

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.

Good decision by Hoke in retaining Jackson's services. Wondering if Hoke will hire Theo212 as the team's literature/poetry tutor. GO BLUE and have a great wkd!

truebluefan

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.

Speaking of DC's, at this point we need a "can't miss" and PROVEN good DC. Vance Bedford does not fall into this category, IMO. Ron English is a better choice than Bedford but still not a "can't miss" prospect. Hoke is probably making around $2M and we were prepared to throw over $5M at JH so we should have some cash available for a top notch DC. How about Randy Shannon? Or go steal Brent Venables from Oklahoma? If Hoke is serious about competing for championships, we're never going to get there with the 110th ranked defense.

MichandWVU

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:40 p.m.

Fred Jackson is flat out class. He takes things in stride and does one heck of a job, both on the field and in recruiting. And, OMG, if we could land Loeffler to coach QBs it would be a great start to a new era. Hoke's brother coming over from the Bears perhaps?

MichFanTex

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.

Going out on a limb, I'd say Thosewhostay is grieving over the dismissal of his idol, so it is understandable that he is still trying to blame others (Fred Jackson) for the failure of his king. Those that may still doubt Fred, perhaps a rewatch of the 1995 OSU game should be required viewing.

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.

@Dusty So Green Bay doesn't have the "5 Freshmen" playing in their defensive backfield! Coaching what you got, not what you wished you had would have worked wonders last fall. What do you think?

Dusty

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.

Djuninho: Were you a fan of the 3-3-5? Because that's what Green Bay's defense has evolved into because of the talent and depth they have in the secondary. There was a story in the Green Bay Press Gazette just before the playoff started about why we even call it the 3-4 anymore when they play a 3-3-5 or a 2-4-5 more than they do 3-4.

Dusty

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.

HeartbreakM - "How much authority do you really think Jackson got from the former coach?" Yes, lets speculate about things we have no information on and find even MORE reasons to bash a guy who isn't even here anymore, shall we?

Dusty

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.

I wouldn't credit Jackson for Tyrone Wheatley. I'd credit the o-line he had while he was here. Every one of them made an NFL roster, and a couple of them became perennial pro-bowlers. I rewatched the 1993 rosebowl the other day. The whole being opened for Wheatley were so big he literally didn't have to do anything but run directly at the endzone from wherever he was on the field.

Chilltime

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.

Who thought Fred would not be on the staff? Anyone?

heartbreakM

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.

@ThoseWhoStay: If you are going to criticize Jackson for this past year, then you MUST credit him for Tyrone Wheatley, Mike Hart, Chris Perry, A-Train--all among the leading rushers in M history. How much authority do you really think Jackson got from the former coach?

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.

Going to have to open the check book for Trgovac since he's used to NFL pay but with his combined college/pro background he'd be a real asset on the field and recruiting. And he's been away long enough to bring a different mind-set. You need someone to tell you something other than what everybody slse in the room is saying. Give the boss another viewpoint. It's a necessary evil for success. Go Blue!

djuninho

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5 p.m.

I'd be cool with Trgovac coming back as DC too... he's probably learned a lot under Dom Capers the past few seasons... the way they utilize Woodson all over the field is fun to watch!

djuninho

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.

Ditto that... Bring back Loeffty as QB coach, Soup Campbell as WR, and maybe Teryl Austin as DC? Austin wasnt' retained as Florida DC by Muschamp but those recruiting links won't hurt at all...

Joe

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.

Great keep, Coach!!

ChelseaBob

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.

It's great that Fred is staying. He would be a unanimous choice among knowledgeable football people. How many RB's has he sent to NFL over the years?

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.

Coach Jackson, Welcome back, and you've hardly changed! Still I would have remembered you. Go get us some football players. GO Blue! @ Cash/Keepingitreal Hate to say it but, "I told you so."

Cash

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.

ThoseWhoStay, Right, sure. Fred has been in the same spot recruiting and coaching for 20 years and been very successful under the other coaches but you think he got really bad under RR? Well, how do you suppose that happened? Fred is the Best. You have to know that Fred is thrilled that Hoke and he will be together again. Fred did a good interview with M Live a few days ago, before he got his job back. That interview says a lot about Fred the man. He never has a bad word to say about anyone. And when he does say something, he knows his facts before he speaks. Something that is certainly admirable.

Buster W.

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.

Retaining Fred Jackson is a no-brainer! Even RR knew enough to keep him.

David Vande Bunte

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.

ThoseWhoStay: Couldn't that mostly be the fault of the playcalling? Those running backs barely got carries, as RichRod pretty much utilized Denard on almost every play...they never got much of a chance to get into the groove, how can any running back expect to play well when they only get 10 rushing plays called all game that don't involve Denard Robinson? An effective running game has a lot to do with developing a rhythm, and with as few calls as they got, it was impossible to develop.

ThoseWhoStayUofM

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.

As fare as I can tell Fred Jackson did a poor job with our running backs last year. Mike Shaw and Vince Smith both underperformed on a regular basis. Our rushing attack was primarily Denard Robinson and when 90% of your offensive attack centers around one player, that's a problem. Even when Tate Forcier went in, our running game just became nonexistent. Some of the issues were blocking however often there were lanes to run through but, Shaw in particular, would just miss them. Perhaps our running backs are just not very coachable but the only other option is Fred Jackson didn't do a good job teaching them.

Jaime

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.

I think it is great. Fred has recruited and coached a lot of very good running backs in the years he has been at Michigan.

billmcclure

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.

I am just taking s shot in the dark here, but ---there aren't any winners on this team---get new people and players and move on---of course they won't do that----so if you can't block and tackle with one guy, will that change with another guy--I think not--I know this is not his area of coaching--but he was part of the team---and mind set---

1st Down

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.

Perhaps Mike Trgovac would consider leaving Green Bay and coming back to Michigan. With his experience as a successful NFL DC and his ties to that league, he would be a great asset for both recruiting and on the field. Good rehire by Hoke to get Coach Jackson back.

jgtrueblue

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.

It would be BRILLIANT to bring back Erik Campbell for wide receivers coach and Scott Loeffler for the quarterbacks. You can't match their records and the players THEY molded. Period. We need these guys besides Fred Jackson. I hope Coach Hoke does not do what RR did with his hirings. He seems too smart for that.

#58ontheroster

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.

My choice for defensive coordinator would be Mike Hankowicz. He was on Bo's first team in 1969, and has been a DC at Texas A&M; Colorado; Minnesota; Wisconsin; and, Northwestern, to name a few. Everywhere he's coached as DC he has had great defenses. At some of the schools the offense left something to be desired. I've known Mike since we were freshmen teammates in 1966. Mike loves Michigan to this day. He would love to come home.

P U MSU

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.

I want Randy Shannon as D coordinator.

chiro19

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.

Smart keep by Hoke! Jackson is a valuable asset and I am sure he will continue to do very well in the future. This team is in serious need of a strentgh and conditioning coach that understands how to get results and keep guys healthy. You know when a strentgh coach has you on chocolate milk as your protein and nutritional program you are in trouble! As well, D coordinator needs to be legit. If they pick up a great D coordinator then this team will be rolling sooner than later!

tim

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.

Starzone I think you have to have pretty thick skin to coach at any level at UM. I'm sure the guys on the team support each other and don't give a rip what most of the fans think. I think it's like the Army their there for their brothers.

blusage

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.

Interesting idea about Scott Schaffer. Getting rid of him obviously didn't change things at Michigan and he's doing a good job at Syracuse, so it's safe to assume he had his hand tied in many ways. I wouldn't mind at all if he came back as DC.

Cash

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.

Welcome back Fred! You have truly made a difference in many lives. You are an inspiration. And the good news is, that if your younger son is a good football player like Jeremy is, you'll have to coach a LOT longer!! Excellent choice, Coach Hoke. Excellent.

glimmertwin

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.

And Kit Cartwright for quarterback coach...

PenGenevaIL

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.

I like bringing Fed Jackson back. Also like the suggestion of Scott Loeffler for QB Coach. Would like to see Scott Schaefer considered for Defensive Coordinator. Let him bring the Attacking 4-3 he was known for instead of the Defense RR wanted him to run.

81wolverine

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.

@deb: That's VERY interesting about Jackson's younger son. I'm sure the coaches at Huron are already salivating! If he develops into a good H.S. QB, you've got to like Michigan's chances@

StarZone

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.

@InsideTheHall: Bring back Hermann? UM fans ran him out of town after the deflating 2005 season. He would really have to love the University to come back after all those vicious comments. Same with Harbaugh after the backlash to his 2007 comments about academics. Fans cannot burn bridges with coaches and expect them to want to come back when their team's need is greatest.

BlueGator

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.

David Vande Bunte, I believe Jeremy Jackson had two catches in each of the Wisci and OSU games. Probably should have been red-shirted, but played because of injures to other WRs. I had read that he is not blazing fast, but runs good routes and has great hands. Should be a good possession-type receiver in the West Coast offense that looks to be coming our way.

deb

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.

Not to take anything away from mr. jacksons fine coaching and recruiting abilities,(this man should be given credit for bringing in the(especially running back) talent for years) but have you seen jacksons younger son? I saw him throwing the ball around the other day, and hes a future qb at u of m. Not often you see a middle school kid throwing 40 yard frozen rope post routes...

David Vande Bunte

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.

His son is 6'3"...I expect that unless the kid has hands of stone, that he will make it on to the field soon. Receivers that tall can be difference makers.

InsideTheHall

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.

Now lets bring Soup Campbell back from Iowa and Jim Hermann or Vance Bedford as D Coordinator.

81wolverine

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

I think this is a very good move for Hoke, just as it was for Rodriguez. Having someone of Jackson's experience and recruiting contacts/expertise will be invaluable to Michigan going forward. I would expect in the future to see more of the Michigan running attack we were used to in the past - less finesse, more power. Now if we can just get Scott Loeffler for our QB coach, we'll be doing even better.