One of the final QBs under his direct tutelage was now-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. He was offensive coordinator for Schembechler's final three seasons (1987-89). Moeller was hired as head coach at Illinois in 1977 and was there for three seasons before returning to U-M in 1980, first as quarterbacks coach until 1982, when he became defensive coordinator again. He joined Schembechler at Miami (Ohio) in 1967 and followed along to Ann Arbor in 1969, first as defensive ends coach and eventually defensive coordinator, beginning in 1973. 'If you see a kid you can help, you pay it forward.' 'Woody always told us was pay it forward,' Kornacki recalled Moeller saying. He played for Woody Hayes and Kornacki said Moeller explained why he would befriend as many people as he could, even in his position of power. Moeller finished his coaching career as defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001 and linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears for 2002-03.Īn Ohio State grad and football letter winner, Moeller began his coaching career in Ohio high schools in 1963. He was offered and accepted a contract extension from the Ford Family, but new Lions general manager Matt Millen let him go in 2001. When Ross resigned midway through the 2000 season, Moeller was promoted to interim head coach and led the Lions to a 4-3 record, narrowly missing the postseason. 'He saw an opening to get back at him and I think he took it.'Īfter leaving U-M, Moeller was hired onto the Cincinnati Bengals staff and after two years joined the Lions as assistant head coach and linebackers coach under Bobby Ross. Duderstadt resented Bo's power,' Kornacki said. When Schembechler retired in 1989, he was still athletic director, and hand-picked Moeller. He'd followed Schembechler from Miami Ohio to Michigan and spent the majority of two decades with him. Kornacki contests the decision was made because of how Moeller got the job. 'That's what Mo could do,' said Kornacki. He also played a key role in getting Dearborn Heights Robichaud star Tyrone Wheatley to join U-M. He was the head coach in 1991, when Desmond Howard won U-M's second Heisman Trophy and was the lead recruiter in the push for Howard to commit to the Wolverines from Cleveland St. 'Gary Moeller was a great family man, great friend, great coach and a man of integrity and high character,' former coach Lloyd Carr, who followed him from 1995-2007, said in a released statement. 'I admired him, I respected him and I loved him.' Moeller's teams finished in the top 20 in the national polls each of his five seasons. In five seasons at U-M, Moeller was 44-13-3 and won three Big Ten championship and the 1993 Rose Bowl over Washington. Moeller was a longtime assistant coach under Bo Schembechler and replaced the legendary coach in 1990 upon Schembechler's retirement. Moeller, the former Michigan football coach who later served as interim coach with the Detroit Lions, died on Monday at the age of 81. It's why the chapter on Moeller in Kornacki's book “Go Blue! The Greatest Stories in Michigan Football History,' is titled 'Just Like a Good Neighbor.' He told them stories, couldn’t have been nicer.' The no-name defense delivered for Minter.'He treated my sons like he was recruiting them for Michigan. They averaged 3.7 yards per play and didn't advance farther than Michigan’s 42-yard line until the fourth quarter. The Rams, who were breaking in a new offense under first-year coach Jay Norvell, never stood much of a chance. Michigan had seven sacks and forced two takeaways, including a fumble that led to 45-yard touchdown return by D.J.

The Wolverines managed to generate consistent pressure, denting CSU quarterback Clay Millen’s pocket and bogging down the Rams’ offense. Minter was given the charge of running the same scheme installed by Macdonald.

That led to the arrival of Jesse Minter, Macdonald’s former colleague with the Baltimore Ravens. Michigan finished in the top 10 in scoring last fall, and Macdonald was soon called back to the NFL. The scheme, with its malleable fronts and multiple coverages, proved a rousing success. But the collection of returning starters and top-line reserves now had a firm understanding of the system Mike Macdonald installed during his lone season in Ann Arbor. WolverinesWire Get the latest Michigan Wolverines news, schedules, photos and rumors. Sure, Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo and Dax Hill were no longer in the fold. WolverinesWire is your source for wall-to-wall, original Michigan Wolverines content. How did Michigan DC Jesse Minter fare in his debut?Īt Big Ten media days in July, Harbaugh wondered if his defense may be better than the one that experienced a revival a season ago.

Michigan defensive back Rod Moore celebrates his interception against Colorado State quarterback Clay Millen during the first half on Saturday, Sept.

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