Asst. Coaching Candidate: Jerry Montgomery

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on January 9th, 2019 at 9:54 AM

Sam spent a lot of time on WTKA this morning talking up the potential candidacy of Jerry Montgomery to take over coaching the DL. For those who don't remember him, Montgomery was on Hoke's staff before leaving to coach at Oklahoma and then the Packers.

He's been the D-Line coach for the Packers for the past two seasons (he briefly took a job at Texas A&M a year ago before returning to the Packers), and with the change in Green Bay, Montgomery could be on the move.

I didn't remember this, but according to his Wikipedia page (LINK), he's a strong recruiter who was the primary recruiter for Ondre Pipkins and Derrick Green. (Hey, they WERE five-stars...). I think I'd like this.

steve sharik

January 9th, 2019 at 11:39 AM ^

At BC he was Cover 2 base and Man-free as his secondary (extremely generally speaking). I'm guessing that Harbaugh wanted him to be the opposite as they play much more man in the NFL.  In other words, 1) Michigan wants to have base schemes that are very prevalent in the NFL in order to attract top recruits, and 2) Michigan can attract the type of athletes that can cover elite WRs.

steve sharik

January 9th, 2019 at 11:42 AM ^

I think Zordich and other DB coaches we have on staff can teach the fine arts of it, but you have to do it a lot to get good at it.  Moreover, being good at man coverage technique takes A TON of reps so sometimes that comes at the expense of being good in zone.

This is why it's very important to develop depth at DB because they'll need some years to excel at both, unless you're a future NFL All-Pro (and those come along once in a few decades).

drake23

January 9th, 2019 at 10:10 AM ^

And Stoops loves him. Would be an awesome hire. Can’t exclude guys because they are young and likely to stay. Bama replaced 6 coaches last year and Clemson replaces 5, or somewhere around there. Gotta get the best no matter if it’s only for a season

jdemille9

January 9th, 2019 at 10:11 AM ^

Sam said Stoops offered him a big raise and Michigan was unwilling to match it. He also said if the monetary situation for assistant coaches was then what it is now (much bigger salaries) he thinks Montgomery would have stayed. 

He'd be a great hire, but he probably won't want a lateral position coach move to college unless he's a co-DC or something. 

Mr. W

January 9th, 2019 at 2:45 PM ^

Jeff Hecklinski was the Recruiting Coordinator so Montgomery left for Oklahoma to receive the same title, coach the DL, as well as a few other responsibilities. He was the lowest paid assistant while on staff at Michigan. Ironically, he replaced Mike Trgovac in Green Bay, another name that has been flying around here recently. 

wolverinestuckinEL

January 9th, 2019 at 10:02 AM ^

I recall the reaction when he left was similar to Al Washington's departure.  Young coach and a good recruiter who no one wanted to see leave.  I can't imagine anyone would mind this hire.  Good recruiter with recent strong college ties plus the added bonus of some NFL exposure. 

The Baughz

January 9th, 2019 at 10:02 AM ^

This would be a very good hire.

Also, just an FYI...a buddy of mine texted me and said Bruce Feldman tweeted out something saying he wouldn’t be surprised if USC goes after Jedd Fisch for OC.

Wouldnt be a bad hire. I know some people on here (not me) that want Jedd here. Should be an interesting next couple of days.

JPC

January 9th, 2019 at 10:34 AM ^

I think the current Michigan OL is underrated. Partially due to them looking bad under Drevno, and partially due to Pep's shitty long developing routes. 

I'd say Butt was better than Zach, but (IMO) Darboh + Chesson doesn't measure up to our three outside WRs plus Martin (who's criminally misused). 

Gentleman Squirrels

January 9th, 2019 at 10:03 AM ^

Montgomery would be a solid hire. Great recruiter and high level coach. I would be worried about how long he would remain in Ann Arbor because it seems like he wants to keep moving up the ranks and the NFL/DC position could come calling.