ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan football offense has really struggled this season, but Kirk Campbell ended up being the scapegoat for it all. This isn’t to say that there isn’t complicity there (surely, there has to be) but given the amount of departures from last year to this year, there were a lot of complications for the entirety of the Wolverine offense.
Thus, not long after the conclusion of the regular season, first-year head coach Sherrone Moore made a move to oust Campbell from his position, bringing in former North Carolina offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey as his replacement.
Though incumbent starting quarterback Davis Warren is sad to see Campbell go, he’s excited about he future with Lindsey leading the offensive charge.
“You spend a lot of time with the offensive coordinator and I spent a lot of time with Coach Campbell,” Warren said. “And have nothing but respect for him and everything that he’s done for this program. He’s a smart, smart football mind, and really enjoyed being with him, and I know that he’s going to land on his feet somewhere and be successful.
“And I stand by Coach Moore and the decisions that he makes. And knowing that he’s got to do what’s best for the program, and if he felt like that was best, then I get it. I understand where he’s coming from, and I know that he just wants what’s best for this program, and he’s going to do that. And bringing Chip in is — Chip’s been great, and is, I think, going to be a huge, huge asset to this team moving forward.”
Currently, as Michigan prepares for Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, tight ends coach Steve Casula is working as the interim offensive coordinator. It’s a role that fits given that he spent two years calling the UMass offense. But Warren is particularly excited about what Lindsey brings to the table.
Between his football mind, his experience, and his resume for development, there’s a lot to like about Sherrone Moore’s latest hire.
“We’ve had a chance to sit down and just talk ball,” Warren said. “And getting to know him, I just have learned he’s a really smart guy. Really understands the game experience, play-caller, which I think is huge. He’s had the metaphorical ball in his hands, in terms of calling plays, which has been awesome. And, seeing what he did at Troy, and then being at UNC, with Maye — they did some really good stuff.
“So, we’ve been able to sit down to talk about it. And I’m just really excited to get him in here and have him keep working with us. And, even more when it comes to the spring.”