Strength and Conditioning Coach/Defensive Coordinator

Submitted by ljmGOBLUESpringLake on

I am sorry if this has already been reported and I missed the news item.  Has there been any new news on DJ Durkin coming to Michigan as our D-Coordinator?  Also, has Kevin Tolbert committed to be our Strength and Conditioning coach??   Thanks in advance

LBSS

January 2nd, 2015 at 12:57 PM ^

Haven't heard any rumors about Tolbert coming back to Mich (was S&C coach 01-07), but the guy was a BEAST as a young man -- even if some of the stories about him are exaggerated the fact that they exist is a testament. Bench 400x11 (which is strong as fork but not unreasonable for a power lifter), squat 600x30 (which is insane) kind of stories. 

I just hope that whoever our next S&C coach is doesn't suck.

BIGBLUEWORLD

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:04 PM ^

The effects of a strength and conditioning coach were discussed in these two diaries:

http://mgoblog.com/diaries/bigblueworld

The comments contain a lot of information and intelligent discussion about training for athletic performance, preventing injuries, etc..  At the time I was building a case for Wellman to be replaced because, obviously.  That problem is settled.

Shannon Turley, the S&C coach at Stanford who worked with Harbaugh, is excellent. He is every bit as good, maybe better, than Kevin Tolbert.

I think we can all breathe easy that JH will make a good choice.

TheFugitive

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:42 PM ^

Links get posted to firstrow to stream games all the time, sorry you have a janky computer.  Posting links to our own material on the other hand...ehhhh

Tater

January 2nd, 2015 at 3:03 PM ^

I know a lot of people dind't like the original diary on Wellman, but we have seen this before at Michigan.  The Wolverines need an S&C guy who builds muscle without adding .2-.4 to everyone's 40 time.  I exaggerate slightly, but players seem to look slower as seniors than they did as freshmen.  

One of the great things about Harbaugh having been in the NFL is that he knows what elite speed looks like.  He will find an S&C guy who allows players to remain fast.  He might even find one who increases their speed.

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:11 PM ^

What was everyone's stance on Harbaugh's comment (and even a hint of a grin IMO) about excitement to start winter conditioning? My stance: he plans to introduce the team to a level of intensity and conditioning that he believes they've lacked. Incredibly hard winter sessions to set a tone for the program and even root out the guys who lack the fortitude. Maybe he senses entitlement and cruise mode. Similar to stories about Stoops rolling out trash cans for initial sessions at OU in anticipation of puking. I don't think it was just "excited to get started and work with the guys".

umbig11

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:23 PM ^

Keeping Manning helps too. He is a very good recruiter and provides continuity. Getting him back to his area of expertise will help too. Home moving him to a CB coach never made sense.

Coldwater

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:28 PM ^

A new strength coach and assistants are an absolute must for Michigan. It was obvious from watching the games but the players lacked the elite speed and strength it takes to be national championship contenders.

I saw a picture of Drake Harris on Twitter recently with his shirt off, and he was skinny and frail looking. It doesn't look like he's added any bulk to his frame since he's been at Michigan.

BIGBLUEWORLD

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:50 PM ^

Here's a link to information about Shannon Turley.  He was Harbaugh's S&C coach, and is still at Stanford.

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30600&ATCLID=20816…;

In the video, you might note the emphasis on flexibility, which is part of training for speed, explosiveness, and injury prevention.

Seriously, some ignorant people judge an S&C coach by how big his arms are.  That is important to Phil Heath and Kai Greene, but just part of the equation for top level athletes.  

I'm confident JH knows the difference.

 

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

January 2nd, 2015 at 2:17 PM ^

Interesting phrase that Turley recites repeatedly. Assume this emphasis on discipline and individual accountability was a Harbaugh motto given their years together in SD and PA. I am curious whether a lot of stories surface about S&C under Harbaugh to build a message of player development to recruits. Appears Urban and others used this counterpoint as a selling point vs Hoke.

Blau

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:55 PM ^

Not sure how much a S&C coach has to play into this but I felt a lot of guys healed rather quickly ahead of time from serious injuries. Jake Ryan and Jake Butt for example. ACLs and MCLs are tricky little bastards. I'm assuming that falls onto the S&C staff?