Tag: University of Michigan

Panthers HC Matt Rhule reportedly on Michigan’s ‘wish list’ to replace Jim Harbaugh

According to TheWolverine.com, the University of Michigan has Panthers HC Matt Rhule on their “wish list” of candidates to potentially replace Jim Harbaugh.

A little over a week ago, it was Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule that was reportedly keeping an eye on the University of Michigan job. Well, turns out they might be looking right back at him.

According to Chris Balas of TheWolverine.com, Michigan has Rhule pegged as one of their top contingency plans if their current program leader in Jim Harbaugh makes a return to the NFL. Harbaugh is reportedly flying in for an in-person interview with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.

“Sources have also confirmed that Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule is, indeed, on Michigan A.D. Warde Manuel’s wish list to replace Harbaugh should the Wolverines make an external hire,” Balas writes. “Rhule is coming off a pair of five-win seasons at Carolina, but he had great success at Temple, including a pair of 10-win seasons. He led Baylor to an 11-win season his third year, but finished the 2019 season with losses to Oklahoma and Georgia.”

While this may very well be the case, Panthers owner David Tepper doesn’t seem ready to give up on his favorite former short-order cook quite yet. After all, he’s still around—here on Feb. 2—following a second straight five-win campaign that ended in an embarrassing seven-game losing streak.

Plus, Rhule is three-fourths of the way through his latest hiring process. Carolina now has a new offensive coordinator in Ben McAdoo, a new special teams coordinator in Chris Tabor and a new offensive line coach in James Campen—with only the defensive line coaching vacancy now remaining.

So, even though there might be mutual interest, the safe bet would be on Tepper giving his guy a vote of confidence when his staff is completely in place for 2022. If not . . . Go Blue?

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Donovan Peoples-Jones releases own mobile game called ‘Deep Pass Jam’ (DPJ)

Combining fun with giving back to the community, DPJ announced the release of the mobile game “DPJ.” A football game where some proceeds go to a children’s hospital:

Donovan Peoples-Jones and the Cleveland Browns have a lot of time on their hands. Planning on playing well into the postseason, the Browns fell short of even making the playoffs. While not the major problem for the team, Peoples-Jones fell short of expectations in his second year as well.

The former Michigan wide receiver showed flashes as a rookie before being the standout star of training camp in 2021 for the Browns. While his numbers jumped, it wasn’t enough for a Cleveland offense that lacked player makers.

Expected to be the team’s top outside threat after Odell Beckham Jr. was released, the former sixth-round pick had 34 receptions for 597 yards and three touchdowns. He continued to be a strong big player guy with a 17.6 yards per catch average.

DPJ just announced the development of a new mobile game that shares his initials but stands for “Deep Pass Jam.” The receiver shared more details on Twitter:

The game is available for both iPhone and Android products.

As noted in his tweet, Peoples-Jones is giving back by having part of the proceeds from in-app purchases go to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital located on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule reportedly atop Michigan’s list if Jim Harbaugh goes to NFL

According to CBS Sports, Panthers HC Matt Rhule would be “at the top” of Michigan’s list if Jim Harbaugh bolts back to the NFL.

Even after bringing in a new offensive coordinator as recently as this very weekend, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule can’t escape the speculation of a getaway back to the college ranks.

According to a report on Saturday morning from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Rhule may be one of the University of Michigan’s top contingency plans if Jim Harbaugh bolts Ann Arbor for a return to the NFL.

“Panthers’ embattled head coach Matt Rhule would be at the top of that list, league sources indicated, with Rhule already considering several college options this past season, and with him firmly on the hot seat with owner David Tepper for 2022 after receiving an eventual vote of confidence from ownership,” La Canfora writes.

With his recent success heading the Wolverines, Harbaugh is now in a position to either rework his contract with his alma mater or seriously entertain the prospect of an NFL comeback—particularly to the Las Vegas Raiders. If the latter somehow comes to fruition, that could open up an appealing safety net for Rhule—who had also reportedly been interested in a few other notable collegiate opportunities this past season.

“Rhule was keeping a close eye on the Penn State situation, sources said, where James Franklin ultimately landed a big extension, and may have pursued the LSU opening as well had they been more interested in him,” La Canfora notes. “With Rhule facing a pivotal third year in Carolina, with an expectation for much better results, a big-time college job opening up would draw attention.”

So, uh, at least Ben McAdoo’s prior head-coaching experience might really come in handy, huh?

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Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson drives Iowa lineman into Hawkeyes’ QB

Aidan Hutchinson is a power for Michigan

Aidan Hutchinson is making a case for himself as the best player in college football and potentially the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Coming off a giant performance as Michigan thumped Ohio State, the defensive lineman was at it again against Iowa in Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game.

Hutchinson, who goes 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, simply drives Iowa lineman Jack Plump into quarterback Spencer Petras.

That was no small feat of strength as Lamb checks in at 6-foot-7 and 296 pounds.

At this rate, the Detroit Lions are going to have a big decision whether to consider Hutchinson should they continue on the path to the No. 1 pick next year or go for Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Runner makes stunning comeback from last place

University of Michigan athlete Ziyah Holman made a remarkable comeback as she helped her team win a 4×400-meter relay race.

University of Michigan athlete Ziyah Holman made a remarkable comeback as she helped her team win a 4×400-meter relay race.

INTERVIEW: Glenn Robinson III raising money with ARI Foundation to fight racial injustice

Watch the full Glenn Robinson III interview about his ARI Foundation’s efforts with hometown organizations to fight racial injustice and police brutality.

The foundation of Philadelphia 76ers wing Glenn Robinson III will partner with three different organizations based in his hometown of Gary, Ind. to fight against racial justice and police brutality.

Robinson’s ARI Foundation, named after his daughter, announced it will launch fundraising campaigns with Sojourner Truth House, My Brother’s Keeper and Geminus. Robinson spoke to USA TODAY Sports Media Group NBA Wire editor Bryan Kalbrosky:

“What else could I do, besides just saying Black Lives Matter? As we hear a lot of talk, sometimes people just aren’t educated enough to know exactly what’s going on … So, OK, these are ways that you can donate, or these are ways that you can and help and fight the cause, and really put the actions on your words.”

Donations to the ARI Foundation can be made at the organization’s website.

The full interview with the Philadelphia wing can be streamed below:

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Jets sign WR Jehu Chesson to reserve/future contract

University of Michigan product, Jehu Chesson, signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets after his practice squad contract expired.

The Jets signed Jehu Chesson to a reserve/future contract on Thursday afternoon.

Chesson spent the 2019 season on the Redskins practice squad. Originally, he was selected by the Chiefs as a fourth-round pick out of the University of Michigan. He only spent one season in Kanas City, finishing his rookie campaign with two receptions for 18 yards.

He was apart of the Chiefs’ final roster cuts during the 2018 season and landed in Washington. In 2018, Chesson had one catch for seven yards. For his career, Chesson has returned three kicks for 65 yards.

Originally from Liberia, Chesson did not begin playing American football until he was an eighth-grader in St. Louis, Missouri. He received a scholarship to play under Brady Hoke and then Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor following an All-State high school career.

At Michigan, Chesson owns the school record for most receiving touchdowns in a game with four. In 50 career games played for the Wolverines, Chesson had 114 receptions for 1,639 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Jets elected to sign Chesson after his practice squad contract expired on Monday and the Redskins elected to not re-sign him. He’s beyond a longshot to make the Jets, but will have an opportunity to make an impression in training camp.