What is the status of the Michigan staff in light of Mike Elston’s departure to join Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers?
A team source has confirmed that Mike Elston, who coached Michigan’s defensive line the previous two seasons, is joining Jim Harbaugh’s staff at the Los Angeles Chargers. The news was initially reported by NFL Network.
Elston’s exit gives incoming Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore, whose staff has seen a number of departures, another opportunity. Moore has been looking for a defensive coordinator to take Jesse Minter’s place. Minter said goodbye on social media on Tuesday and is also anticipated to move to Los Angeles to join Harbaugh. In addition, Harbaugh brought on strength coach Ben Herbert. Meanwhile, many sources state that special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh is departing to play with the Seattle Seahawks, where he will join former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
Elston’s exit is big news for Michigan since he helped the Wolverines establish one of the top defensive lines in college football. Elston, who transferred from Notre Dame to Michigan after 12 years, was crucial in the development of rising juniors Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, who will be highly sought after should they decide to pursue their transfer options, as well as Kris Jenkins, who is expected to be selected in the first round of the draft.
Moore used continuity as a selling factor, but he has fierce competition to retain the remaining Michigan staff members. Although no decision has been made, Steve Clinkscale, the defensive backs coach, is another possibility to work with Harbaugh and the Chargers. It’s anticipated that a number of Michigan’s support employees will also leave.
Two members of Harbaugh’s staff have been officially retained by Moore: Grant Newsome, who transitioned from tight ends coach to offensive line coach, and Kirk Campbell, who assumed the position of offensive coordinator. Moore also elevated Justin Tress to director of strength and conditioning and analyst J.B. Brown to special teams coach, replacing Jay Harbaugh.
The hiring of a defensive coordinator continues to be one of Moore’s top priorities. Although Moore has also searched the NFL ranks for coaches with familiarity in the Baltimore Ravens scheme, Elston and Clinkscale were considered internal options.
