CC: Matt Entz (or Matt Entz Type)

I've long been curious if Michigan would be able to find success from the lower ranks - and I'm not talking about the risky practice of plucking a MAC coach.. We've seen that play out over the years with the Purdue's of the world and more recently Minnesota and PJ Fleck.

Instead, I've noticed success rivals have had with their coaches from lower levels of football. Ohio State did well with Jim Tressel after he won at Youngstown State, and ND brought consistency back to its program with Brian Kelly who climbed the ranks quickly after GVSU. Kelly has been up and down at Notre Dame but a level above Weiss and Willingham and has even been to a national title game - not to mention yesterday's win.

Matt Entz was the defensive coordinator for NDSU from 2014-2018 where the Bison won four national titles and lost in the semifinals once (2015). They went 69-6 and 36-4 in that time span, never losing more than one game in conference, or two in a season (which are a few games longer than FBS due to playoffs). 

When head coach Chris Klieman left for Kansas State before the 2019 season, Entz took over as the head coach and the Bison repeated as National Champions going 8-0 in conference and 16-0 overall. They are 1-0 this year after beating Central Arkansas and will play the rest of their games in the Spring.

Pros: Proven success as a defensive coach which requires consistency and discipline. Part of a winning culture that has seen last two coaches go D1.  Is 48 years old and his teams run a "smashmouth spread offense". QB Trey Lance is an NFL prospect.

Cons: Only one year as a head coach at a small school, could have been a Wylie Coyote year, but they did go undefeated. Bohl has been okay at Wyoming, and Kleiman has been good not great at KSU.  However it is worth noting, there was no drop off in performance when Bohl left Kleiman in charge and so far, no drop off when Klieman left Entz in charge. In their current roles, the verdict is still out for both of them. Recruiting could be a question mark. 2021 season is in Spring and would likely only work for a 2022 hire, not 2021 - although this could be another barometer for success. Farm kid who may have culture shock in Ann Arbor.

This type of hire, would be risky for sure, but in my mind is the type of thinking the search committee needs to eventually have. I feel strongly that highly-motivated, successful coaches can make that jump as they can sell recruits on their past success.