Well guys and gals, after what seems to be an infinitely long off-season, it is time for the Football Countdown as started on our board last year by GreatAppSt1!
Can you believe there are 100 days until football begins? One might ask why its starting on Wednesday - the countdown includes only 24 hour periods, thus making Friday Aug. 29 day 0. By doing it this way, it allows for those participants to get a little sleep the night before the game and to allow travel time to get to the game as well!
So to get this started....Introducing the 2008 Michigan Football Coaching Staff:
Rich Rodriguez
Head Coach
On Dec. 17, 2007, Rich Rodriguez was announced as the 18th head coach in University of Michigan football history, and just the 11th in the 106 years since Fielding H. Yost made his debut in 1901.
Rodriguez comes to Michigan after spending seven years as head coach at his alma mater, West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to a 60-26 record, four Big East titles and six consecutive bowl game bids. In 2005, he was named to the American Football Coaches Association Board of Trustees.
Following a 10-2 (5-2 Big East) season in 2007 in which his team won the Big East title and a Bowl Championship Series berth, he was named the AFCA Region I Co-Coach of the Year, sharing the honor with Boston College's Jeff Jagodzinski. It was Rodriguez's second such honor after being recognized by the AFCA in 2003. He is also a finalist for the 2007 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, which honors the college football coaches who best exemplify responsibility and excellence on and off the field. Rodriguez was the 2003 and 2005 Big East Coach of the Year.
Under Rodriguez's guidance, WVU has claimed four of the last five Big East championships and recorded three consecutive seasons (2005-07) of double-digit victories for the first time in school history. The Mountaineers recorded at least eight wins in each of the last six seasons, and since 2002 have accumulated a record of 57-16, winning 78.1 percent of their games.
In 2006, the Mountaineers finished 10th in the national polls at 11-2 behind a pair of All-Americans and the Big East Player of the Year. In 2004 and 2005, Rodriguez's teams claimed conference titles, as the 2005 squad went on to record WVU's first BCS victory, a 38-35 upset over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
After a 1-4 start in 2003, the Mountaineers rattled off seven straight wins, posted a 6-1 mark in conference play to tie Miami for the Big East title, and earned a second straight bowl berth. In 2002, Rodriguez engineered the greatest turnaround in Big East history, taking his 2001 team from a 1-6 record in league play to 6-1 the following year. West Virginia finished second in the nation in rushing in 2002 (283 yards per game) and ranked fourth nationally in turnover margin.
Prior to accepting the West Virginia job on Nov. 26, 2000, Rodriguez served as offensive coordinator and associate head coach for Tommy Bowden at Clemson in 1999 (6-6) and 2000 (9-3). He spent the previous two years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Bowden at Tulane, where he helped lead the Green Wave to 7-4 and 12-0 marks, culminating with a victory at the Liberty Bowl.
Rodriguez began his collegiate head coaching career at the NAIA/Division II level at Salem (1988) and Glenville State College (1990-96). At Glenville State, he won or shared four consecutive West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and was named the WVIAC Coach of the Year in 1993 and '94. He was the 1993 NAIA Coach of the Year after leading his team to a national runner-up finish. Rodriguez, who also served as Glenville's athletic director in 1995-96, was inducted into the Glenville Hall of Fame in 2003.
A member of West Virginia's 1981-84 teams, Rodriguez was a three-year letterwinner (1982-84) as a defensive back for coach Don Nehlen, who served as an assistant coach at U-M for Bo Schembechler from 1977-79. The Mountaineers posted a 26-10 record in those three years and made three bowl appearances: the 1982 Gator Bowl (lost to Florida State, 31-12); the 1983 Hall of Fame Bowl (defeated Kentucky, 20-16); and the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl (defeated TCU, 31-14).
A native of Grant Town, W.Va., in Marion County, Rodriguez grew up just five miles from the birthplace of U-M legendary coach Fielding Yost (Fairview, W.Va.). He is a 1981 graduate of North Marion High School, where he was a four-sport letterman and an all-state honoree in football and basketball, leading the Huskies to the 1980 Class AAA state football championship. Rodriguez and his wife, Rita, have two children, Raquel and Rhett.
Rodriguez's Head Coaching Record
Year
School
Record
Bowl/Result
1988
Salem
2-8
1990
Glenville State
1-7-1
1991
Glenville State
4-5-1
1992
Glenville State
6-4
1993
Glenville State
10-3, WVIAC champion
1994
Glenville State
8-3, WVIAC champion
1995
Glenville State
8-2, WVIAC champion
1996
Glenville State
6-4, WVIAC champion
2001
West Virginia
3-8, 1-6
2002
West Virginia
9-4, 6-1
Continental Tire/L, 22-48 (Virginia)
2003
West Virginia
8-5, 6-1 Big East champion
Gator Bowl/L, 7-41 (Maryland)
2004
West Virginia
8-4, 4-2 Big East champion
Gator Bowl/L, 18-30 (Florida State)
2005
West Virginia
11-1, 6-0 Big East champion
Sugar Bowl/W, 38-35 (Georgia)
2006
West Virginia
11-2, 5-2
Gator Bowl/W, 38-35 (Georgia Tech)
2007
West Virginia
10-2, 5-2 Big East champion
Fiesta Bowl (Oklahoma)
NAIA/Division II (8 seasons): 45-36-2
Division I (7 seasons): 60-26
TOTAL (15 seasons): 105-62-2
RODRIGUEZ AT A GLANCE
Birthdate: May 24, 1963
High School: North Marion (W.Va.) High School ('81)
College: West Virginia (B.S., '86)
Wife: Rita
Children: Rhett, Raquel
Calvin Magee
Associate HC/OC
Calvin Magee is in his first season as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator with the Michigan football program. He joins the Wolverine football family after spending the past seven years at West Virginia.
Magee coached an All-Big East Conference performer at running back each of his seven seasons on the WVU staff. His running game rated among the top four nationally all three seasons as offensive coordinator (third in 2007, second in 2006 and fourth in 2005).
He was named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Broyles Award after his offense rated among the top 15 in four offensive categories. The Mountaineers were third in rushing offense, eighth in third-down efficiency (48 pct.), ninth in scoring offense (39.6 avg.) and 15th in total offense (456.2 avg.).
Magee arrived at West Virginia prior to the 2001 season as the Mountaineers' running backs mentor. He spent seven seasons on the WVU staff (2001-07), coaching the running backs during his entire tenure, and added offensive coordinator duties during his final three seasons. He added the title of assistant head coach during the 2007 season.
He relocated to Morgantown after five seasons at South Florida (1996-2000). Magee was a member USF's first staff in 1996, coaching the tight ends and special teams. After his first year with the program, Magee moved on to coach the running backs (1997-2000) and was the team's running game coordinator for his final two seasons.
Magee joined the coaching ranks after an outstanding professional career. He was a four-year starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985-88) and finished his career with the Houston Oilers in 1989. Magee led the Bucs in receptions (45), receiving yards (564) and receiving touchdowns (5) during the 1986 season and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 1987.
A two-time first-team All-American at Southern University (1983-84), Magee was a three-time All-SWAC selection at tight end. He earned All-America second team honors in 1982. Magee was named the team MVP twice (1983 and 1984) and led the team in receptions all four seasons (1981-84). He was the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 Freedom Bowl and was inducted into the Southern University Hall of Fame in 2000.
Magee and his wife, Rosie, reside in Saline with their three children. They have two daughters, Jade and Jasmine, and one son, Bryson.
Magee's All-Conference Players:
2001: Avon Cobourne (2nd, Big East)
2002: Avon Cobourne (1st, Big East)
2003: Quincy Wilson (1st, Big East)
2004: Kay-Jay Harris (2nd, Big East)
2005: Steve Slaton (2nd, Big East)
2006: Steve Slaton (1st, Big East)
2007: Steve Slaton (2nd, Big East), Darius Reynaud (2nd)
Magee's All-Americans:
2002: Avon Cobourne (3rd)
2003: Quincy Williams (3rd)
2006: Steve Slaton (1st)
THE MAGEE FILE
Age: 45
Date of Birth: April 23, 1963
Birthplace: New Orleans, La.
High School: Booker T. Washington (1981)
College: Southern University (1984)
Graduate: University of South Florida (1990)
Wife: Rosie
Children: Jade, Bryson, Jasmine
College Bowl Experience (6):
West Virginia: Continental Tire (2002), Fiesta (2007), Gator (2003, 2004, 2006), Sugar (2005).
Scott Shafer
Defensive Coordinator
In his first season with the Michigan football program, Scott Shafer will coordinate the Wolverine defensive effort after holding the same post at Stanford University in 2007. He also served as assistant head coach for the Cardinal that year.
Shafer has coached 18 all-conference performers during his coaching career and had three players earn All-America accolades. He has been a defensive coordinator for eight seasons.
Shafer headed a Stanford defense that improved in every statistical category in 2007, organizing a defensive scheme that upset then-top ranked Southern California on the road. His crew also marked the program's first shutout since 1996, blanking San Jose State 37-0.
Before venturing to California, Shafer spent two seasons as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Western Michigan (2005-06). He played a key role in one of the school's biggest turnarounds, improving to an 8-5 overall record in 2006 after finishing 1-11 in 2005. In that same season, the defensive unit led the nation in interceptions (24) and sacks (46), and finished sixth in run defense, seventh in turnover margin and 11th in total defense.
The Broncos' rush defense (76.1 avg.) set a Mid-American Conference record for fewest rushing yards per game in 2006. Shafer was a nominee for the Broyles Award that season as the nation's top assistant coach.
Shafer's coaching career began as a graduate assistant coach at Indiana University (1991-92). He moved into a full-time position as the secondary coach at the University of Rhode Island for three seasons (1993-95) before accepting the same post at Northern Illinois.
Shafer spent eight seasons in DeKalb, Ill. (1996-2000), including the last four as defensive coordinator. He was the defensive backs coach during his entire tenure at NIU. His defensive players earned 13 All-MAC selections.
Shafer was named defensive coordinator in 2000 and helped push the Huskies to a 30-16 record over a four-year span and two MAC West Division championships (2001, 2002), posting the school's first 10-win season in 2003, the first in over 20 years. The 2003 team was ranked as high as No. 12 in the AP polls and had three victories over BCS teams.
Shafer then held a one-year stint at Illinois (2004) before joining the Western Michigan staff. He coached cornerback Kelvin Hayden, who led the Big Ten in interceptions and was drafted in the second round.
A native of Painesville, Ohio, Shafer graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College (1990) with a degree in education and earned his master's degree at Indiana (1993). He played one season at Ohio University (1985) before transferring to Baldwin-Wallace (1986-90).
Shafer and his wife, the former Missy Elliott, have two children. They have one son, Wolfgang, and a daughter, Elsa.
Shafer's All-Conference Performers:
1995: Chris Orlando (1st, All-Yankee)
1998: Donnovan Carter (2nd, All-MAC), Duane Hawthorne (2nd)
1999: Donnovan Carter (2nd, All-MAC), Jermaine Hampton (2nd)
2000: Jermaine Hampton (1st, All-MAC), Larry Williams (1st), Buster Sampson (2nd)
2001: Vince Thompson (1st, All-MAC), Akil Grant (2nd)
2002: Randee Drew (1st, All-MAC), Travis Moore (1st), Vince Thompson (1st), Larry Williams (1st), Brian Atkinson (2nd), Nick Duffy (2nd)
2003: Randee Drew (1st, All-MAC), Vinson Reynolds (1st), Akil Grant (2nd)
2004: Kelvin Hayden (2nd, All-Big Ten)
2005: Ameer Ismail (1st, All-MAC), Louis Delmas (2nd)
2006: Ameer Ismail (1st, All-MAC/Defensive Player of the Year), Londen Fryar (1st)
Shafer's All-Americans:
2004: Justin Harrison, DB (Freshman, 2nd)
2005: Louis Delmas, CB (Freshman, 2nd)
2006: Ameer Ismail, LB (2nd)
THE SHAFER FILE
Age: 41
Date of Birth: January 6, 1967
Birthplace: Painesville, Ohio
High School: Painesville Riverside High School (1985)
College: Baldwin-Wallace (1990)
Masters: Indiana (1993)
Wife: Missy
Children: Wolfgang, Elsa
College Bowl Experience (2):
Indiana: Copper Bowl (1991).
Western Michigan: International Bowl (2006).
Tony Dews
Wide Receivers
Tony Dews is in his first season as the wide receivers coach for the Michigan football program. Dews came to the Wolverines after spending the 2007 season coaching the wideouts at West Virginia University.
Dews has coached all three phases of the game during his career. He was the associate special teams coordinator and linebackers mentor at UNLV prior to joining the Mountaineers staff. He spent two seasons as the tight ends coach at Central Michigan (2004-05) and the 2003 season tutoring the defensive line at Holy Cross.
His coaching resume also includes coaching stints at California, Pa. (2002), Millersville (1998) and Bainbridge (Ga.) High School (1997). Dews was a graduate assistant coach at West Virginia from 1999-2002, working with the offensive line and secondary.
A Lynchburg, Va., native, Dews received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Liberty University (1996) and earned a master's degree in athletic coaching education from West Virginia (2001). He led the Flames in receptions as a junior and senior and was selected as an All-Virginia tight end.
Dews and his wife, Tamika, have three daughters: Savannah, Sierra and Sydney.
Dews' All-Conference Performers:
1998: Joe Cannon, Dave Ibarra, Jim Jackominic (PSAC)
2006: Kip Facer (1st, MWC)
Dews' All-Americans:
1998: Dave Ibarra
THE DEWS FILE
Age: 34
Date of Birth: June 6, 1973
Birthplace: Lynchburrg, Va.
High School: Centreville (1992)
College: Liberty University (1996)
Graduate: West Virginia (2001)
Wife: Tamika
Children: Savannah, Sierra, Sydney
College Bowl Experience (2):
West Virginia: Fiesta (2007), Music City (2000).
Greg Frey
Offensive Line
Greg Frey is in his first season as the offensive line coach for the Michigan football program. Frey joins the staff after spending the 2007 season mentoring the offensive line at West Virginia.
Frey has coached eight all-conference performers across the offensive line, including five All-Big East players, led by first-teamer Greg Isdaner in 2007. He coached four offensive linemen that moved onto the professional ranks through the NFL Draft or free agency.
Frey helped launch South Florida's football program, serving as a graduate assistant in the team's first years of existence (1996-98). He received a full-time position leading the Bulls' defensive line during the 1999 season and then moved to the opposite side of the ball, working with the offensive linemen for seven seasons (2000-06).
A native of Clearwater, Fla., Frey was a 1996 graduate of Florida State University (1996). He was a three-year letterman for the Seminoles and was a member of Bobby Bowden's national championship team in 1992, defeating Nebraska in the 1993 Orange Bowl. He gained bowl victories in the 1992 Cotton Bowl, the 1995 Sugar Bowl and three Orange Bowls (1993, 1994 and 1996).
Frey was a part of four straight Atlantic Coast Conference championship teams (1992-95) and the team compiled a 31-1 league mark during his playing career. He posted a four-year record of 43-5-1, with four consecutive top four finishes in the national polls.
Frey is single and resides in Ann Arbor.
Frey's All-Conference Performers:
2003: Derrick Sarosi (3rd)
2004: Alex Herron (3rd); Derrick Sarosi (3rd)
2005: Frank Davis (2nd); John Miller (2nd); Theodoric Watson (2nd)
2007: Greg Isdaner (1st); Mike Dent (2nd)
Frey's All-Americans:
2007: Ryan Stanchek (1st)
THE FREY FILE
Age: 35
Date of Birth: December 4, 1972
Birthplace: Clearwater, Fla.
High School: Clearwater High School
College: Florida State (1996)
College Bowl Experience (8):
Florida State*: Cotton (1992), Orange (1993, 1994 and 1996), Sugar (1995).
South Florida: Meineke Car Care (2005), Papajohns.com (2006).
West Virginia: Fiesta (2007).
* participated in as a player. 
Tony Gibson
Assistant HC/Secondary
Tony Gibson is in his first season as the secondary coach for the Michigan football program. He has also been appointed assistant head coach by coach Rich Rodriguez.
Gibson comes to Ann Arbor after coaching West Virginia's defensive backs for the past seven seasons (2001-07). He also coordinated the Mountaineers' recruiting efforts in 2007.
Gibson began working at WVU as a defensive graduate assistant in 2001 and received a full-time position as defensive backs coach before that season began. He was a member of four Big East Conference championship teams and has had six players drafted by the NFL.
Sharing a unique relationship with Rodriguez, Gibson has both coached and played under the current Wolverine mentor. Gibson played for Rodriguez at Glenville State College as a defensive back and helped the team win two WVIAC championships. Gibson earned a bachelor of arts degree from Glenville in 1994.
Gibson embarked on his coaching career as the head coach and interim athletic director at Gilmer County High School (1995). He joined Rodriguez's staff at Glenville State as the defensive backs coach and also worked with the kickoff teams for the 1996 season. Gibson was hired at Cumberland University to coordinate the program's special teams and recruitment in addition to mentoring the team's defensive backs (1997-98). His career carried him to West Virginia Tech, where he spent two seasons as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator (1999-2000).
Gibson and his wife, Kerry, reside in Saline. They are the parents of a son, Cody, and daughter, Ashton.
Gibson's All-Conference Performers:
1997: Larry Daniels (1st, MidSouth)
1998: Steve McClain (1st, MidSouth)
2000: Davon Deveaux (1st, WVIAC)
2001: Rick Sherrod (2nd, Big East)
2002: Angel Estrada (2nd, Big East)
2003: Brian King (1st, Big East), Adam Jones (2nd, Big East)
2004: Jahmile Addae (1st, Big East), Adam Jones* (1st, Big East)
2005: Jahmile Addae (1st, Big East), Anthony Mims (2nd, Big East)
* Big East Special Team Player of the Year Gibson's All-Americans:
2004: Adam Jones (1st)
THE GIBSON FILE
Age: 35
Date of Birth: October 12, 1972
Birthplace: Van, W.Va.
High School: Van High School (1991)
College: Glenville State (1994)
Wife: Kerry
Children: Cody, Ashton
College Bowl Experience (6):
West Virginia: Fiesta (2007), Gator (2003, 2004, 2006), Sugar (2005), Continental Tire (2002).
Jay Hopson
Linebackers
Jay Hopson is in his first year as linebackers coach for the Michigan football program. He joined the staff after spending three seasons as defensive coordinator, defensive backs and middle linebackers coach for the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (2005-07).
In 2007, he was named the All-American Football Foundation Top Assistant Coach.
Hopson's defensive units led Conference USA in scoring defense each of his three seasons as defensive coordinator. In 2006, the Golden Eagles led C-USA in third down defense and red zone defense. The 2005 defense led the league in turnovers forced per game and led the nation in fumbles gained.
Prior to his appointment as defensive coordinator, Hopson coached the defensive backs for the Golden Eagles from 2001-03. In 2002, his unit led the nation in fewest passing touchdowns allowed and finished fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense. Southern Mississippi led C-USA and finished fifth nationally in pass defense during the 2003 season. Each year of his tenure, USM ranked in the top 15 nationally in scoring defense.
Hopson spent 2004 at his alma mater, the University of Mississippi, as defensive backs coach and was the program's recruiting coordinator. The Rebels' pass defense improved from 109th nationally in 2003 to 49th during the 2004 campaign.
Hopson's coaching experience includes positions at Marshall University (1996-2000) and Delta State (1993) as defensive backs coach. He was a member of the Herds' 1996 NCAA I-AA National Championship staff and coached the team to four straight Mid-American Conference championships. Hopson also held defensive graduate assistant positions at the University of Florida (1995), Louisiana State (1994) and Tulane (1992). He helped the Gators to the Southeastern Conference championship and played for the national championship in the Fiesta Bowl.
Hopson has coached 10 all-conference players and three All-Americans. Two of his players have been nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back, and two of his players were named to Sports Illustrated's All-Bowl Team.
Hopson was a four-year letterman and received the 1991 John Howard Vaught Award as a player at the University of Mississippi. A CoSIDA Academic All-American, Hopson graduated from Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in business administration (1992) and received a master's of health in physical education and recreation from Delta State (1994).
Hopson and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters, Virginia and Hannah.
Hopson's All-Conference Performers:
1996: Scott Smythe (1st, All-Southern)
1997: Rogers Beckett (2nd, All-MAC), Larry Moore (2nd)
1998: Rogers Beckett (1st, All-MAC), Daninelle Derricott (1st)
1999: Rogers Beckett (1st, All-MAC), Daninelle Derricott (1st)
2000: Daninelle Derricott (1st, All-MAC), Maurice Hines (1st)
2001: Greg Brooks (1st, C-USA), Chad Williams (1st)
2002: Etric Pruitt (1st, C-USA)
2003: Greg Brooks (1st, C-USA), Etric Pruitt (1st), Marvin Young (1st), Alex Ray (3rd)
2005: Trevis Coley (1st, C-USA), John Eubanks (1st)
2007: Gerald McGrath (1st, C-USA/Defensive Player of the Year), Brandon Sumrall, Matthew Chatelain, Montavious Prince
Hopson's All-Americans:
1999: Rogers Beckett, S (3rd)
2002: Etric Pruitt, DB (2nd)
THE HOPSON FILE
Age: 39
Date of Birth: October 13, 1968
Birthplace: Vicksburg, Miss.
High School: Warren Central High School (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
College: Mississippi (1992)
Graduate: Delta State (1994)
Wife: Michelle
Children: Virginia, Hannah
College Bowl Experience (10):
Florida: Fiesta (1995).
Marshall: Motor City (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000).
Southern Mississippi: GMAC (2006), Houston (2001), Liberty (2002), New Orleans (2004), Papajohns.com (2007).
Fred Jackson
Running Backs
17th Season
Fred Jackson is in his 17th season as an assistant coach with the Wolverines. He is the team's running backs mentor and works with the kickoff returners.
Jackson was associate head coach from 2003-07 after serving six seasons as assistant head coach.
He received recognition for his coaching skills in 2001 with his selection as the American Football Coaches Association National Assistant Coach of the Year for Division I-A. In addition, Jackson was a finalist for the 2000 Broyles Award given to the nation's outstanding assistant coach.
He has coached five All-Big Ten running backs at Michigan, led by three-time all-conference first team honoree Tyrone Wheatley (1992-94) and two-time performer Mike Hart (2004, 2006). Anthony Thomas (2000) and Chris Perry (2003) were All-Big Ten first team selections and Tshimanga Biakabutuka earned second-team honors in 1995. Thomas and Hart received distinction as Big Ten Freshman of the Year award winners.
Jackson's running backs have led the league in rushing four times during his tenure and surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier 10 times. Perry (2003) and Hart (2004) became the first teammates to lead the league in rushing in back-to-back seasons since 1982-83, pacing the Big Ten in both overall and conference play.
Eight of Jackson's running backs have been selected in the NFL Draft, including three first round draft choices: Wheatley (17th in 1995), Biakabutuka (eighth in 1996) and Perry (26th in 2004). Thomas was an early second-round pick of the Bears in 2001 and went on to become the 2001 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as selected by the Associated Press. Jackson's 1997 national championship starting backfield of Chris Howard and Chris Floyd were both drafted, with Clarence Williams making the Arizona Cardinals roster as a free agent. B.J. Askew was a third-round draft pick of the New York Jets in 2003.
Three of Jackson's tailbacks have been finalists for the Doak Walker Award, presented to the nation's outstanding running back. Chris Perry won the award in 2003 and both Anthony Thomas (2000) and Mike Hart (2006) were one of three finalist for the award.
Hart burst onto the scene in 2004 and collected Freshman All-America honors after leading the Big Ten in rushing and finishing 10th nationally. The conference freshman of the year, he gained the seventh-most yards in U-M history, rushing 282 times for 1,455 yards and scored nine TDs. Hart set a school record with three straight 200-yard rushing games and broke the 150-yard barrier in five consecutive contests. In 2007, Hart went on to set U-M's all-time rushing record with 5,040 yards.
Jackson was critical to the success of Michigan's first Doak Walker Award winner, Chris Perry, a Heisman Trophy finalist during the 2003 season. Perry finished with a school record 338 carries for 1,674 yards and 18 touchdowns while setting a U-M running back record for receptions (44) while adding 367 receiving yards and two scores.
He played an instrumental part in the development of All-America and school record-setter Anthony Thomas, who rushed for 1,733 yards on 319 carries and scored 18 touchdowns in 2000. Thomas was a finalist for the 2000 Doak Walker Award and was a two-time Florida Citrus Bowl MVP. Thomas was U-M's career leading rusher with 4,472 yards on 924 carries until Hart broke the mark in 2007.
Jackson served two seasons as the offensive coordinator (1995-96). He has been the team's running backs coach since joining the staff.
Before joining the Michigan staff in 1992 under Gary Moeller, Jackson spent one season as the quarterbacks coach at Vanderbilt (1991). He coached two years at Purdue (1989-90), handling the offensive coordinator duties as well as coaching the quarterbacks and wide receivers. Jackson spent the 1988 season as the quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at South Carolina and the 1987 campaign as the wide receivers coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Jackson made his first appearance in the Big Ten, coaching five seasons under Dave McClain at Wisconsin (1982-86). He served as the Badgers' offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and wide receivers coach during his tenure. While at Wisconsin, Jackson coached NFL All-Pro Al Toon of the New York Jets. He began his collegiate coaching career in the Mid-American Conference, serving three years as the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and wide receivers coach under Chuck Stobart at Toledo (1979-81).
A native of Baton Rouge, La., Jackson was an all-conference quarterback at Jackson State (Miss.) after leading the conference in passing during his senior season. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Jackson State in 1972 and added his master of arts degree from Michigan in 1975.
Jackson started his coaching career at Flint Southwestern High School (Mich.), where he coached future Wolverine four-year starting quarterback Rick Leach. Jackson was also the head track coach and an assistant football coach at the start of his high school coaching career. He coached a pair of state championship track teams (1975 and 1977) and was the coach of the year in 1977.
Jackson and his wife, Teresa, reside in Ann Arbor. They have two sons, Jeremy and Joshua.
Jackson's Michigan All-Big Ten Performers:
1992: Tyrone Wheatley (1st)
1993: Tyrone Wheatley (1st)
1994: Tyrone Wheatley (1st)
1995: Tshimanga Biakabutuka (2nd)
1999: Anthony Thomas (2nd)
2000: Anthony Thomas (1st)
2003: Chris Perry (1st)
2004: Mike Hart (1st)
2006: Mike Hart (1st)
2007: Mike Hart (2nd)
Jackson's All-Americans:
2003: Chris Perry (1st)
2006: Mike Hart (2nd)
2007: Mike Hart (2nd)
THE JACKSON FILE
Age: 58
Date of Birth: June 9, 1950
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, La.
High School: Scotlandville, La.
College: Jackson State (1972)
Graduate School: Michigan (1975)
Wife: Teresa
Children: Jeremy, Joshua, Tonya, Freddrick
College Bowl Experience (19):
Wisconsin: Hall of Fame Bowl (1984); Independence Bowl (1982)
South Carolina: Liberty Bowl (1988)
Michigan: Alamo Bowl (1995, 2005); Capital One/Citrus Bowl (1998, 2000, 2001, 2007); Hall of Fame Bowl (1993); Holiday Bowl (1994); Orange Bowl (1999); Outback Bowl (1996, 2002); Rose Bowl (1992, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2006)
Rod Smith
Quarterbacks
Rod Smith is in his first season as the quarterbacks coach with the Michigan football program. He joins the Wolverine staff after leading West Virginia's signal callers in 2007.
Smith was integral to the success of 2008 Fiesta Bowl Most Valuable Player Pat White. White was the 2007 Big East Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for over 1,300 yards and passing for 1,700 yards. He also rushed for 14 touchdowns and tossed 14 passing scores.
Smith originally worked at WVU as an offensive graduate assistant in 2001, but was quickly offered a full-time position coaching the quarterbacks at South Florida (2001-04). He mentored the signal callers for four years at USF before being elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for his final two seasons (2005-06).
Smith served as an offensive coordinator at Franklin High School in West Virginia (1997-98), Urbana (1998-2000) and West Virginia Tech (2000). He also committed time as a graduate assistant at Clemson, working alongside coach Rich Rodriguez. Smith relocated with Rodriguez as a member of the coach’s initial staff at WVU.
A native of Franklin, W.Va., Smith earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Glenville State (1997) and received a master's degree in teaching at Urbana (2000). Playing for Rodriguez at Glenville State, the 1996 All-American quarterback led his team to the championship playoffs twice and reached the division finals one season.
Smith and his wife, Charlene, have a son, Alex.
THE SMITH FILE
Age: 35
Date of Birth: February 22, 1973
Birthplace: Franklin, W.Va.
High School: Franklin High School (1991)
College: Glenville State (1997)
Graduate: Urbana (2000)
Wife: Charlene
Child: Alex
All-Conference Performers:
1998: Frank Carrico (All-MSFA)
2001: Marquel Blackwell (All-Independent)
2002: Marquel Blackwell (All-Independent/Player of the Year)
2006: Matt Grothe (Big East Rookie of the Year)
2007: Pat White (1st, Big East)
College Bowl Experience (4):
Clemson: Gator (2001).
South Florida: Meineke Car Care (2005), Papajohns.com (2006).
West Virginia: Fiesta Bowl (2007).
Bruce Tall
Defensive Line
Bruce Tall is in his first season as the defensive line coach with the Michigan football program. He has spent the past five seasons as safeties coach with coach Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia (2003-07) and has 26 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level.
Tall led West Virginia's spur and bandit safeties and played an integral role in developing the defensive game plan that ousted Oklahoma, 48-28, in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
He worked in the state of Michigan prior to joining the WVU staff, tutoring the defensive line at Western Michigan during the 2002 season. He coached a Broncos' front that allowed 330.7 yards per game to lead the MAC in total defense.
Tall also coached in the Ivy League at Harvard, serving as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (1998-2001). His defense led the league in rushing defense two of those four seasons. He arrived at Harvard after running the defense at Northeastern (1993-97). At Northeastern, his 1997 team ranked second in Division I-AA in rushing defense, allowing 60.5 yards on the ground per game.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ohio Wesleyan, in 1982 and earned a full-time position as linebackers mentor for two seasons (1983-84). Tall spent two seasons at Cornell (1985-86) before returning to Ohio Wesleyan (1987-92), eventually becoming defensive coordinator at the school.
A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Tall earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education at Ohio Wesleyan (1982). The dual-sport athlete was a three-year letterman in football and earned one letter in wrestling.
Tall has coached four All-Americans during his career and received the 2001 Assistant Coach of the Year award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. He is also a Lifetime Achievement Award winner, granted by the All-American Football Foundation. Tall’s football experience extends to the NFL, completing internships in Green Bay, Detroit, Chicago and Tampa Bay.
Tall and his wife, Karmen, reside in Saline. They are the parents of three children: Braythan, Karsyn and Kallyn.
Tall's All-Conference Performers:
1983: Eric DiMartino (1st, All-OAC), Ted Jameson (1st)
1984: Dean Cordle (2nd, All-NCAC)
1989: Eric Abbot (1st, All-NCAC), Neil Ringers (1st), Keith Rucker (1st)
1990: Kirk Jackson (1st, All-NCAC), Neil Ringers (1st), Keith Rucker (1st), Bo Smith (1st), Eric Abbot (2nd)
1991: Eric Abbot (1st, All-NCAC), Doug Dean (1st), Terry Mee (1st), Keith Rucker (1st)
1994: David Atwood (1st, All-Atlantic 10)
1995: Reggie Thornton (2nd, All-Atlantic 10)
1996: Steve Kives (2nd, All-Atlantic 10)
1997: Steve Kives (1st, All-Atlantic 10), Zach Falconer (2nd)
1998: Isaiah Kacyvenski (1st, All-Ivy), Scott Larkee (2nd)
1999: Isaiah Kacyvenski (1st, All-Ivy)
2000: Dante Balestracci (1st, All-Ivy)
2001: Dante Balestracci (1st, All-Ivy)
2002: Jason Babin (1st, All-MAC/MAC Defensive Player of the Year), Chris Browning (1st, All-MAC)
2004: Mike Lorello (2nd, All-Big East)
2005: Mike Lorello (1st, All-Big East), Eric Wicks (2nd)
2006: Eric Wicks (1st, All-Big East)
2007: Eric Wicks (1st, All-Big East)
Tall's All-Americans:
1983: Eric DiMartino, LB (1st)
1990: Neil Ringers, DL (1st)
1999: Isaiah Kacyvenski, LB (1st)
1991: Keith Rucker, DL (1st)
2002: Jason Babin, DL (2nd)
THE TALL FILE
Age: 48
Date of Birth: November 22, 1959
Birthplace: Shaker Heights, Ohio
High School: Shaker Heights
College: Ohio Wesleyan (1982)
Wife: Karmen
Children: Braythan, Karsyn, Kallyn
College Bowl Experience (5):
West Virginia: Fiesta (2007), Gator (2003, 2004, 2006), Sugar (2005).