Why Sherrone Moore hired former Ohio State coach Kerry Combs to U-M

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

He may not be a big name in today's college football, but if you've paid attention to the Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry, then you probably were well aware of Kerry Coombs.

The former Buckeyes secondary coach, defensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator has spent the past few years in Cincinnati after having departed Columbus following the 2021 season, but now, he's traded in the scarlet and gray for the maize and blue as the Wolverines' new special teams coordinator.

It's not the first time that a coach has gone from one side to the other. Recently, Michigan brought in running backs coach Tony Alford directly from OSU. In 2019, Al Washington and Greg Mattison defected from Ann Arbor to Columbus. Ed Warinner came to Ann Arbor after spending multiple years with the Buckeyes.

But for Coombs, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore says he likes what Coombs brings to the table.

"Yeah, he brings a lot of energy, excitement," Moore said. "A veteran presence that's done at a high level — in the NFL, in college, obviously, and then in high school. I think it's awesome when you've brought somebody in that has high school experience, but is an elite recruiter and developer of men, and very excited about the hire, and the connection has just been built over time, and he's gonna do a great job for us."

Unlike in most circumstances, where the new coach won't be seen until spring ball (such was the case for Chip Lindsey, who was hired as Michigan's offensive coordinator in December before the ReliaQuest Bowl a year ago, but wasn't visible until the spring game), Coombs will be coaching special teams right away. Moore confirmed that he's already in Ann Arbor and that he will oversee special teams for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

"Yeah, Kerry will coach in the game," Moore confirmed.

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will be on New Year's Eve at 3 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Sherrone Moore explains hiring former Ohio State coach Kerry Coombs

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos