In the midst of controversy and uncertainty, Michigan Wolverines make a crucial addition to their coaching staff: a former NFL standout.
Michigan football is hiring former Baltimore Ravens veteran defender Pernell McPhee to its support staff, sources told 247Sports.
Michigan is now set to hire former NFL standout defensive lineman Pernell McPhee in a defensive support staff role,” wrote Matt Zenitz, 247Sports’ national college football reporter.
“McPhee, who played collegiately at Mississippi State, played 11 seasons in the NFL. Has been a longtime favorite of new Michigan DC Wink Martindale, who coached him with the Baltimore Ravens.”
Zenitz first reported Michigan’s interest in McPhee on March 13
McPhee played with the Ravens from 2011-14 and 2019-21, and he won Super Bowl XLVII with Baltimore against Jim Harbaugh and the San Fransisco 49ers in February 2013.
He joins a Michigan football staff that has been completely rebuilt following the Wolverines’ national championship run in 2023. It’s led by Wink Martindale, the longtime NFL defensive coordinator who refers to himself as the “OG” of the Ravens’ defensive scheme that Michigan implemented through Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter.
“I think the great thing is that we were all together, Mike (Macdonald), Jesse (Minter) and I and, obviously, others you’ve seen throughout the NFL. I think there’s like six teams that are running this system now. Same thing college-wise, D’Anton Lynn at USC,” Martindale said last week. “It’s been a lot of fun, and I think we all have our own personalities but I think we all call games differently than each other. Some are more aggressive, some are less aggressive.
“The thing that I love about it is the system works. It’s proven that it works. I think both Mike and Jesse did a tremendous job here at Michigan and it’s fun for me to watch the tape because you do become the proud parent, if you will, of seeing other guy’s success and everything else. I think as the defensive coordinator, I think it’s my job to not only develop players but to develop coaches. You’re seeing a lot of success with those guys.”
The rest of U-M’s defensive staff, which includes Greg Scruggs, LaMar Morgan and Brian Jean-Mary, was selected by new head coach Sherrone Moore. (Scruggs is currently indefinitely suspending following an arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.) Martindale said he asked Michigan to hire Kevin Wilkins, who served as his right-hand man in Baltimore and with the New York Giants and who will work as a defensive analyst with the Wolverines.
The Wolverines kicked off spring practice this week as their pursuit of a fourth straight Big Ten title and repeat national championship begins.
