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Why have one, when you can have two for twice the price?
It turns out, Michigan football might not be relying solely on new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for his defensive expertise, after all.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, it appears as if the Wolverines will do like many programs have done in recent memory and have another ‘co-defensive coordinator’ oversee the defense alongside a protege. Though Macdonald himself is young, Michigan seems to be intent on continuing the youth movement, by adding another young defensive mind from the NFL — this time in Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist.
Thamel says he’s set to join Macdonald as Michigan’s co-defensive coordinator.
Sources: Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Maurice "Mo" Linguist expected to go to Michigan as the co-defensive coordinator. The Dallas native has worked at Texas A&M, Minnesota, Mississippi State and Iowa State. He was involved in the South Alabama HC job this year.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 19, 2021
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A Texas native, Linguist is 36 years old and spent one year in the Dallas Cowboys organization. Before that, he coached cornerbacks at Texas A&M. A former safety at Baylor, Linguist has also coached at Valdosta State, James Madison, Buffalo, Iowa State, Minnesota and Mississippi State.
As far as his philosophy working with defensive backs, here’s how Linguist approaches it:
While speaking with the media, Linguist said he will spend the majority of his time with the safeties and slot corners. Former cornerback, Al Harris will work with the cornerbacks.
“Ballhawks,” Linguist replied when asked the type of safeties he wants. “If you are looking at an elite defensive player, you want somebody who can be aggressive to the ball and go make plays on the ball.”
While at Minnesota, Linguist also held the role of assistant head coach.
Michigan has also been reported to be in the mix to hire Maryland assistant George Helow and Florida coach Christian Robinson.
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