Breaking Sad News: Michigan Football Faces Departure of Ace Recruiter Amidst Ongoing Coaching Exodus

Michigan football’s coaching exodus rolls on.

According to a person with knowledge of the issue who spoke to the Free Press, Steve Clinkscale, the defensive backs coach and coordinator of the defensive passing game for the Wolverines, is leaving to join Jim Harbaugh’s staff with the Los Angeles Chargers.

In Los Angeles, Clinkscale, 46, will assume the same position. It is anticipated that he will notify the players of his choice on Saturday.

He leaves U-M football for Los Angeles, joining Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, defensive line coach Mike Elston, and strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert as the fifth member of the coaching staff from the previous season.

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Although he’s joining former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s staff in Seattle, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh also departed for the NFL.

The Wolverines were reportedly poised to hire Don “Wink” Martindale as their new defensive coordinator, according to reports that surfaced on Friday.

After his debut season, Clinkscale was promoted to co-defensive coordinator and played for the Wolverines for the previous three seasons. In each of his three seasons, U-M’s defense finished in the top 20 and top 30 in the nation for pass defensive efficiency and pass defense, respectively. In 2023, Michigan’s defense ranked as the top total defense and scoring defense in the country.

Under his leadership, Michigan finished 40-3 with three victories against Ohio State, three Big Ten titles, three trips to the College Football Playoffs, and a national championship.

First-round pick Daxton Hill and second-round pick D.J. Turner were both coached by Clinkscale. This season, Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace are anticipated, and after the 2024 season, Will Johnson, Rod Moore, and Makari Paige are probably going to be added.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Clinkscale is a loss in many ways, but especially in terms of recruiting.IS THIS YOUR CHAIR?Michigan AD Warde Manuel named chair of College Football Playoff committee

During his time there, he was the Wolverines’ top defensive recruiter, luring in players like Johnson, defensive back Jyaire Hill, and even new running back Jordan Marshall. He was especially successful in his native Ohio, where U-M has made progress recently after previously turning their focus elsewhere in the state.

Though it’s proved to be more easier said than done, new head coach Sherrone Moore expressed his wish to keep Michigan’s staff together in order to maintain continuity.