Tag: Sherrone Moore

Three Big Ten coaches that are primed for head jobs

Three Big Ten coaches that are primed for head jobs #GoBucks #BigTen

The college football coaching carousel is wild and although the Big Ten didn’t have any insane shake-ups this past off-season it is unlikely things remain stagnant in 2022. Every season there are a number of up-and-coming coordinators that are plucked by either group of five schools or Power Five schools looking to make a splash.

The Big Ten features a few interesting names that I was surprised didn’t make bigger headlines, but the following three names will no doubt get some more hype and look ready to take on larger responsibilities in their own programs. Unfortunately, no Ohio State coordinators make this list, but with it being Jim Knowles’ first season at Ohio State and Kevin Wilson is likely not leaving anytime soon, the lack of Buckeyes makes sense.

What co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore said about Michigan football spring ball

This offense has the potential to be among #Michigan’s best ever! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Spring has sprung in Ann Arbor, and for the first time since practice started weeks ago, the media finally got an opportunity to speak to some of the Michigan football coaches.

On Wednesday, both co-offensive coordinators held media availability, starting with Sherrone Moore, who discussed the state of the offense, the offensive line, things he’s seen from early enrollees, different position groups, sharing responsibilities with Matt Weiss, and much, much more.

Though Moore already had the co-offensive coordinator tag a year ago, his role has certainly increased now that he and Weiss are splitting duties. Here is everything Moore had to say about the state of the offense this spring.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Michigan football names new offensive coordinators, other staff changes

This makes all the sense in the world.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

It didn’t take long before Josh Gattis was speculated as the targeted Miami Hurricanes offensive coordinator before it was confirmed that Michigan football was losing its Broyles Award-winning assistant. But it similarly didn’t take long for the Wolverines to find a replacement.

Unlike the defensive coordinator position, which is likely to be an outside hire, Michigan has several internal candidates who could fill the offensive vacancy. The Wolverines turned to Sherrone Moore, the 2021 offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator who was elevated from tight ends coach a year ago and Matt Weiss will now be the co-offensive coordinator along with being the quarterbacks’ coach.

This comes on the heels of Moore having coached the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, named as the nation’s best a year ago. Along with Weiss, their fingerprints on the offense have been undeniable, as Michigan went from ‘speed in space’ to more of a run-focused attack that more closely resembled Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers offense.

Moore came to Michigan in 2018 after serving as the tight ends coach with Central Michigan.

Additionally, former Michigan offensive tackle Grant Newsome was promoted from his graduate assistant position to the new tight ends coach, Ron Bellamy will move from safeties to wide receivers, Jay Harbaugh will coach safeties, and Mike Hart will be the run game coordinator.

[listicle id=59015]

Full release

University of Michigan J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday (Feb. 9) the addition of Grant Newsome as the program’s tight end coach and the reorganization of the offensive coaching staff.

“Grant has been a positive, motivating force within our coaching staff since he joined us as a student assistant,” said Harbaugh. “We have had a front-row seat to Grant’s development as a coach and are excited that he has chosen to accept our offer to become a full-time assistant. He is a future star in this profession, and our players really respect what Grant is teaching on the field and the insight that he shares from life experiences. We are excited to have Grant and his wife, Coco, continue as key members of the Michigan Football family.”

Newsome helped provide leadership and coaching to an offensive line over the past two seasons that yielded just 22 sacks and 61 tackles for loss in 1,354 offensive plays. In 2021, the Wolverines led the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed per contest (2.43 avg.) and was fifth in fewest sacks allowed (1.0 avg.). Michigan listed 17th in the NCAA in tackles for loss allowed (4.5 avg.) and was 18th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.5 avg.) during the 2020 season.

Listed as one of the Top 30 under 30 by 247Sports, Newsome was a key factor in helping the unit win the 2021 Joe Moore Award as the nation’s most outstanding offensive line. All five position players earned all-conference honors, with four of the five starters earning first- or second-team accolades. The offensive line helped the offense rank as one of the nation’s most balanced during the 2021 season, averaging 214.4 rushing yards and 228.7 passing yards per contest. Michigan gained 6,203 offensive yards which ranked as the second most in school history and the team’s 501 points scored were the sixth highest total in Michigan history.

Newsome was a student assistant coach helping with the tight ends for two seasons (2018-19). A former Wolverine offensive tackle, Newsome moved into coaching after his playing career ended prematurely due to a serious injury that forced him to medically retire.

Harbaugh also announced that Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss will co-coordinate the offense for the Wolverines. The Donald C. Graham Offensive Line Coach, Moore is in his second season as co-offensive coordinator. Weiss, who joined the staff last year from the Baltimore Ravens, will continue coaching the quarterbacks and adds duties as the Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator.

The offensive coaching room adds the services of Ron Bellamy, who will mentor the wide receivers after working with the program’s safeties last season. Mike Hart will add duties as the run game coordinator and continue to tutor the running backs.

Graduate assistant coach Stephen Adegoke, who is in his second season with the program, will move over to the offensive side of the ball and assist Bellamy with the receivers.

“We have great chemistry among the coaches on our offensive staff,” said Harbaugh. “The teamwork has been exceptional. Everyone has been integral to our offensive success and each coach’s contribution has and will continue to be valued. Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Matt Weiss will share play-calling duties with our objective being to maximize our players’ talents and put them in the best position to be successful. I am excited about the leadership and coaching of our offensive staff.”

Harbaugh added that Jay Harbaugh will continue to serve as the program’s Special Teams Coordinator and will shift over to the defensive side of the ball and coach the safeties this season. Harbaugh was named the Football Scoop Special Team Coordinator of the Year and one of four to receive the honor of being named National Special Teams Coordinator of the Year presented by the MJ Morgan Group. Michigan had the nation’s No. 1-ranked special teams in 2021 according to Football Outsiders.

Following are the titles and coaching assignments for the offense and special teams staff:

Sherrone Moore – Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator/Donald C. Graham Offensive Line Coach

Matt Weiss – Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Ron Bellamy – Wide Receivers

Mike Hart – Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs

Grant Newsome – Tight Ends

Jay Harbaugh – Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties

[listicle id=58956]

What Michigan OL coach/co-OC Sherrone Moore said before Michigan State

If the offensive line can do its job, it should be a good Saturday for the maize and blue.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the biggest tests on Saturday for Michigan football vs. Michigan State will be how the offense — especially the offensive line — handles the Spartan defensive front.

Thus far, the Wolverines have allowed just three sacks, and the run game rates as the fifth-best rushing attack in the nation. But, the game won’t be decided on paper, and the offense will need to execute if the maize and blue are to remain undefeated.

On Wednesday, Michigan offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore met with the media to discuss the task at-hand, touching on what his unit has done thus far, what it’ll need to do against MSU, and much, much more.

Here is everything he had to say.

[listicle id=50685]

What Sherrone Moore said before Rutgers game in media availability

Some really good stuff from the Michigan football OL coach and co-offensive coordinator!

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football has the No. 1 rushing attack in the country through three weeks, and while the athleticism and vision of running backs Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins obviously play a major part, so, too, does the offensive line and how they’ve played thus far.

While the line was thought to be among the team’s strengths, with a new position coach in Sherrone Moore, who moved over from tight ends, it was no sure thing that it would be among the Big Ten’s elite. Thus far, we might be witnessing the best in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, which is another big credit to the unit and its position coach.

On Wednesday, offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore met with the media inside Oosterbaan Fieldhouse to discuss the state of the O-line through three weeks and why they’ve been so good. Here is what he had to say.

[listicle id=45170]

Zak Zinter’s versatility gives Michigan OL multiple options

He’s been called #Michigan football’s best offensive player in recent weeks. #GoBlue

[mm-video type=video id=01fcvdawrr5tfj706bgc playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fcvdawrr5tfj706bgc/01fcvdawrr5tfj706bgc-087b616595584ba74c15b1fe49278644.jpg]

Michigan has plenty of electric and exciting players on the offensive side of the ball at any of the skill level spots, which is why it was a little shocking when Josh Gattis said that Zak Zinter may be the best offensive player on the team last week during his press conference.

Zinter, a former four-star prospect from Massachusetts, started four games at right guard last during his his freshman season and appeared in all six games. The Wolverines offensive line had plenty of struggles last year as PFF ranked them as the ninth-worst run blocking team in all of the Big Ten. However, Zinter had the best run blocking grade of any Michigan lineman that played five or more games.

The sophomore offensive lineman could be a gigantic reason the offensive line woes of last year could turn into a strength. The maize and blue are testing the 6-foot-6 Zinter out at center during the fall camp, and it could pay major dividends when the season begins.

Offensive line coach Sherrone Moore spoke with the media during a Zoom conference about Zinter and the battle going on at center, noting that he could slide into the spot thought to be occupied by Andrew Vastardis.

“Yeah, he’s getting some reps there at center, and V (Vastardis) as well,” said Moore. “We’re really trying to keep them balanced, keep them all fresh, and making sure they understand each position – keep their variation going. Zinter is getting reps there as well as guard. We’re going to keep it rolling.”

[lawrence-related id=37105,37101,37099]

With Vastardis being the incumbent starter at the position, why would the Wolverines look at moving the Zinter to center? That’s not speaking ill of Vastardis, who had a decent season for the Wolverines, but the potential of Zinter is massive.

Moore later explained: “The versatility — he has everything you want as a lineman. Zinter is tall, big, strong, physical, athletic, and smart. He can make any call that may need made. He can block any defender, and he just does it with a violence and a physicality that you need and have to have. He is just very athletic; he has the versatility to do it. That’s the main reason we chose to be able to move him and move him and work him around – he has the versatility. If you can’t do it, there is no reason for us to do it. As coaches we have to be smart in how we manipulate players. What we talk about in our room – it’s like a slot receiver, you have to to put a slot receiver in the slot and you put an outside receiver on the outside. Some guys can move outside to in, and some can’t. It’s the same thing on the offensive line, we try to make sure we can do that with our guys.”

Michigan is looking to prioritize the run game once again this season according to both Josh Gattis and Sherrone Moore, after the offense got away from the ground game last year. Zinter will look to lead the way in helping the Wolverines achieve their goal wherever he lines up come the Sept. 4th opener against Western Michigan.

[listicle id=36570]

Sherrone Moore’s emotion, energy and passion impressing Michigan OL

After working with TE for 3 years in Ann Arbor, Sherrone Moore is now coaching the OL. Here’s how one of his players thinks it’s going.

[mm-video type=video id=01f27bz7twxekfgg3b playlist_id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f27bz7twxekfgg3b/01f27bz7twxekfgg3b-89f76ce44bc8098bcd8b362233b38379.jpg]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was a huge surprise to those inside and outside of Michigan football when the program parted ways with Ed Warinner this offseason. The former Ohio State offensive coordinator had turned something of a moribund offensive line into a standout unit in the Big Ten, seemingly overnight, and put all five of his starters from 2019 into the NFL (pending Jalen Mayfield’s 2021 NFL draft selection).

But the man replacing Warinner is no slouch himself, though he’s relatively unproven coaching the position. But he’s not unproven at the position altogether.

Sherrone Moore played 14 games at offensive guard for the Oklahoma Sooners before becoming a tight ends coach, first at Louisville and then at Central Michigan. In Ann Arbor, he’s worked with the tight ends since 2018, but now he’s gotten the opportunity to coach his native position group.

Now with nearly a month of spring ball under his belt, sophomore offensive guard Zak Zinter says that while it was great to learn from Warinner in 2020, he’s enjoying what Moore brings to the table as his new position coach.

“You know, they’re both great coaches. It’s fun to learn from someone new,” Zinter said. “Coach Moore played the position obviously at Oklahoma. He’s bringing a lot of energy at practice. And I love learning from him so far.”

[lawrence-related id=34486,34484,34482]

So, why does Zinter love learning from Moore?

Part of the appeal to the offensive line isn’t just the positional familiarity, but the overall passion that Moore brings to coaching. Zinter says that it’s evident how much the former Sooners lineman puts into getting the best out of his players and that it’s certainly paying off.

“He’s definitely brought a new energy to the offensive line,” Zinter said. “The emotion and the passion that he has for the game, he wants us to get better every single day. He puts everything he’s got into it. It really shows to us as players, the passion and emotion he brings to practice. It’s been awesome.”

In addition to being the Wolverines’ new offensive line coach, Moore also was named the Michigan football co-offensive coordinator.

[listicle id=34442]

How Michigan’s OL is transitioning from Ed Warinner to Sherrone Moore

How Andrew Stueber reacted to Ed Warinner being replaced by Sherrone Moore and why he likes the coaching change.

[mm-video type=video id=01f0hdzhze9xr50y5k playlist_id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f0hdzhze9xr50y5k/01f0hdzhze9xr50y5k-9adb8fab4b79d5d8d40394ad2e6101e3.jpg]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There was a time in the not-too-distant past that Michigan football fans clamored to give former offensive line coach Ed Warinner a lifetime contract. Seemingly the most accomplished assistant on the staff, it was that much more of a shock to the system when he was let go in January, in favor of tight ends coach Sherrone Moore being moved up to oversee the position group he once played as an Oklahoma offensive tackle.

But it wasn’t just the fans who were surprised. The players Warinner coached weren’t anticipating the change, either.

Nonetheless, with Moore taking over as the new offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator, the move is being heralded by those who are the recipients of his mentorship, noting that while he has a much different style, it’s meshing well with those who he’s coaching.

“It was somewhat surprising to see Coach Warinner leave,” fifth-year offensive tackle Andrew Stueber said. “Because obviously, he has a great style, he’s a great coach, he has a great legacy behind him. But it was definitely optimistic. I think the whole offensive line seeing Coach Moore replace his spot – much younger guy, he knows from experience, he played the position. As far as the transition, it’s definitely a different kind of coaching style, a different kind of energy in the room. But I think the younger guys are appreciating it. It’s a more open environment. You can ask a lot more questions. He knows from experience, too. I think the older guys are liking the energy and the vibe he’s bringing to the room, to the practice field and his overall energy.”

[lawrence-related id=33759,33756]

So, what does Stueber like about Moore’s style of coaching?

He says that Moore brings a much more conversational approach to the position group, which is something that the veteran players appreciate. Similarly, that style of teaching is helping the younger players come along that much faster because they feel more comfortable asking questions than they may have under his predecessor.

“I’d say his coaching style is more personable, more interactive, I feel like,” Stueber said. “He comes with a tight end sense – that’s a lot smaller of a meeting room. It’s a lot smaller. So once we brought it in, he’s asking a lot more questions of the individual, he’s allowing more of a discussion. ‘What do you guys think about this? What do you guys think about that?’ It’s just a lot easier to get discussion going. As an older guy, I appreciate that a lot more. Obviously, the younger guys are still learning, so they’re a lot quieter in the meetings just trying to follow along. But, as an older guy, I appreciate being able to speak my mind, give my input and ask questions when needed.”

When Warinner was let go, he eventually landed at Florida Atlantic, where he oversees the offensive line and run game under fellow former Jim Harbaugh assistant Willie Taggart.

[listicle id=33716]

Sherrone Moore takes over OL, named co-OC

The third-year Michigan assistant will shift duties and adds a promotion in his job title.

[jwplayer nuuBWgOG-XNcErKyb]

It’s been a newsy Saturday night for Michigan football on the coaching staff front.

As earlier reported by Brett McMurphy, Ed Warinner is out as Michigan’s offensive line coach while Ron Bellamy, the state championship-winning West Bloomfield coach and former Wolverines wide receiver, will be coming in to fill the vacancy. According to 247Sports’ Zach Shaw, Bellamy will be working with wide receivers and tight ends.

But that’s not the whole of it.

Since Bellamy will be taking over the tight ends position group, Sherrone Moore will be shifting to coach his native offensive line, as Moore played tackle at Oklahoma. He’ll also receive the title of co-offensive coordinator, working directly under offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.

Per Sam Webb:

After serving as Michigan’s tight ends coach for the last three seasons, Moore’s coaching duties will now be focused inside as the Wolverines’ new offensive line coach. He replaces Ed Warinner whose contract expired January 11th after serving in that role for the last three years. Sources say there has been discussion about remaining in Ann Arbor in an analyst role, but there is no confirmation of such a role being agreed upon at press time.

Sources tell The Michigan Insider Moore will also be adding the title of co-offensive coordinator.

It had been speculated that Moore was in the running to join the staff at his alma mater Oklahoma, but he reportedly decided to stay on in Ann Arbor before things progressed in Norman. Lincoln Riley eventually promoted from within to replace departing tight ends coach Shane Beamer.

Now Michigan’s coaching staff is set, and is as follows:

  • OC – Josh Gattis
  • OL/Co-OC – Sherrone Moore
  • WR/TE – Ron Bellamy
  • RB – Mike Hart
  • DC – Mike Macdonald
  • CB/Co-DC – Maurice Linguist
  • DL – Shaun Nua
  • LB – Brian Jean-Mary
  • S – George Helow

Why Sherrone Moore wasn’t surprised Sean McKeon found a role with Dallas Cowboys

Why the Michigan football TE coach wasn’t surprised to see Sean McKeon get his chance and see the field with America’s Team in the NFL.

[jwplayer 6c4JmeiK-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Despite being a dependable tight end in his Michigan tenure, Sean McKeon never got the call from an NFL team during the 2020 draft.

With 60 catches for 668 yards and 6 TD, McKeon was a key part of the offense between 2017-19, but also was a solid blocker, grading out progressively better in run and pass blocking year-over-year.

Though he wasn’t one of the 255 selectees, McKeon didn’t have to wait long to get a call to join an NFL franchise, with the Dallas Cowboys picking him up as an undrafted free agent. Though it appeared he had something of an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, he did, and has now played in seven of the Cowboys nine games thus far.

When he didn’t get the call that he was being picked in the 2020 NFL Draft, it came as a huge surprise to his former position coach in Sherrone Moore. However, making the roster and seeing time in games was no surprise to the man who oversaw McKeon’s development in the final two seasons of his college career.

“When he went undrafted, I was in shock!” Moore said. “There was no way that I thought he would go undrafted. And then when he got picked up immediately, I already kinda knew he was a priority free agent for a couple teams. I knew he would make the 53-man roster. I knew how valuable he would be for a team (because) of his intelligence, how cerebral he is – what he does off and on the field, I knew he’d make the 53-man roster.”

[lawrence-related id=30001,29965,29960]

Thus far, McKeon hasn’t registered any stats, but he’s increasingly seeing more time both on offense as well as on special teams. With six offensive snaps and nine on special teams in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was the most he’s seen the field all season.

Though McKeon has just 25 total offensive snaps and 44 on teams under his belt, the Massachusetts native is taking a similar trajectory as his Michigan career, getting a little time early before starting to work his way into games. As far as how Moore sees it, he’s just excited to watch his progression from when he had him as a coach to now as he takes the field for ‘America’s Team.’

“Once he made it, it wasn’t really a surprise.” Moore said. “I talked to him, I think, that day. And he was just like, ‘I made the team.’ He just kinda felt it and knew it and guys in our room were extremely happy for him, extremely excited to watch him play. We’ve pulled up cut-ups of him in practice for our guys to look at. So it’s been fun to watch his development and see him at the next level.”

[vertical-gallery id=29970]