Michigan Wolverines Sign New DL Coach Following Greg Scruggs’ Departure

The Michigan Wolverines have entirely overhauled their coaching staff in recent months.

However, new head coach Sherrone Moore has had to undertake some extra work. Greg Scruggs was hired in to coach the defensive line, but an OWI arrest resulted in his suspension and eventual resignation. Moore quickly found someone else. Former Memphis assistant Lou Esposito has been appointed to coach the defensive line.

Michigan Wolverines Hire Lou Esposito

Michigan is expected to hire Memphis’ Lou Esposito as its new defensive line coach, sources tell @247Sports.

Was previously defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. Led the way for the MAC’s No. 2 ranked scoring defense in 2022 and has developed players like current… pic.twitter.com/Th76gqoOGk

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 29, 2024

Esposito is currently a co-defensive coordinator at Memphis, but he lived in Michigan from 2017 to 23. In 2022, he was the Western Michigan Broncos’ defensive coordinator, coaching the MAC’s second-ranked scoring defense. He couldn’t turn down the opportunity to coach this defense. Michigan has been a force on the defensive line in recent years, but his value extends beyond coaching.

Recruiting Ties

247 Sports Allen Trieu pointed out that Esposito’s value goes beyond the field of play.

“Esposito is well-known around the Midwest as he recruited the state of Michigan, Illinois and spot-recruited some other areas at Davenport, Ferris State and then Western Michigan. He was responsible for recruiting and developing three defensive linemen who could be drafted next month in Braden Fiske, who transferred from Western Michigan to Florida State, Andre Carter, who transferred from Western to Indiana, and Marshawn Kneeland who stayed at Western despite overtures from Colorado and other schools.”

Lou Esposito has strong recruiting contacts throughout the Midwest. This is a significant advantage for the Wolverines, who have space for growth on the recruiting road.

The Michigan Wolverines never have an issue attracting talent on the field or on the coaching staff. It will be interesting to see how Esposito does on the sidelines with this talented group.