Scott Schafer

[Buzz]

I'm hearing rumblings that the highly touted Michigan Wolverine Defensive Coordinator, Scott Schafer, is getting fired.

I don't know for sure, but I hope this is true frankly because it's obvious to me that he's well over his head, and did a terrible job as DC this past season.

Everyone should wish him well for the future........consider Scott Schafer a transfer.

[tpilews]

I'll believe it when I see it. Not saying you are wrong, but that would be a huge surprise to me. The defense was a little down this year, but a lot of that can be contributed to the fact the offense was barely on the field. I'd be surprised if RR got rid of Schafer after RR was saying UM would be back and that it's going to take time. I don't have a problem with Schafer, I believe he deserves as much a chance as RR and the rest of the coaching staff. That Purdue game is not on Scott, that clearly was not his defense out there. The faults of UM's 2008 defense existed long before Schafer stepped foot in AA. He's not going to be able to perform miracles in 10 months.

[Rockie]

I'll believe it when I see it. Not saying you are wrong, but that would be a huge surprise to me. The defense was a little down this year, but a lot of that can be contributed to the fact the offense was barely on the field. I'd be surprised if RR got rid of Schafer after RR was saying UM would be back and that it's going to take time. I don't have a problem with Schafer, I believe he deserves as much a chance as RR and the rest of the coaching staff. That Purdue game is not on Scott, that clearly was not his defense out there. The faults of UM's 2008 defense existed long before Schafer stepped foot in AA. He's not going to be able to perform miracles in 10 months.
That is a Big Amen and more than likely, your not going to hear coaches leaving till after recriting signing day, so as to not hurt recruiting. Remember, Jelani Jenkins is high on Shafer

[tpilews]

Remember, Jelani Jenkins is high on Shafer

I wasn't aware of that. But, if that is indeed the truth, then Jenkins is reason alone to keep Schafer. If Schafer can lure Jenkins to AA, I'd say he gets a contract extension. This could be one of the best defensive classes in the nation if Jenkins and Big Will commit.

[blueisbetterthanred]

I think to be fair that everyone on the staff should stay for 1 more season. Change is hard... everyone on the staff are professionals and they will make adjustments to make the system work.

[W0lv3r1n3]

Are these "rumblings" coming from the Freep?


For the second consecutive week, the bulk of the Michigan football coaching staff attended the game with recruits but, again, U-M defensive coordinator Scott Shafer was conspicuously absent. U-M coach Rich Rodriguez did not speak to reporters but has refused recently to make any announcements about his staff's future.

Not exactly a good indication whether or not he'll be back next year. I have mixed emotions about Shafer. After the Purdue game I wanted him fired, but when I found out it wasn't his decision to use that defense I wasn't sure.

[Columbusisawhore]

from the free press:

" For the second consecutive week, the bulk of the Michigan football coaching staff attended the game with recruits but, again, U-M defensive coordinator Scott Shafer was conspicuously absent. U-M coach Rich Rodriguez did not speak to reporters but has refused recently to make any announcements about his staff's future."

Shaffer may be out the door... Who should they look at to replace him should he get the boot?

I think i have a good candidate in Chuck Martin (head coach Grand Valley State University). His teams have been very solid defensively, and he knows how to win. Here are some of his stats from his career at GVSU both as a defensive coordinator and as head coach:

GVSU D/C years:
2000: I was unable to get the scores from that season to crunch the numbers on, but the team went 7-4 with a nearly all sophomore team and after losing the first three games.

2001: Again, don't have the scores from the season for number crunching, but the team went 13-1 overall and won a National Title, and outscored opponents by over an average of 48 points per game which indicates a pretty solid defense regardless of the offense.

2002: 16.5 PPG allowed on average, 10-0 regular season record, 14-0 overall record and a National Title

2003: 13.3 PPG allowed on average, 10-1 regular season record, 14-1 overall and another National Title.

GVSU Head Coaching Years:

2004: 11.9 PPG allowed on average, 10-0 regular season, 12-1 overall record

2005: 12.2 PPG allowed on average, 9-0 regular season, 13-0 overall record and ANOTHER National Title

2006: 15.5 PPG allowed on average, 11-0 regular season, 15-0 overall record, and ANOTHER National Title

2007: 14.5 PPG allowed on average, 10-0 regular season, 12-1 overall record

2008: 12.6 PPG allowed on average, 10-0 regular season, 11-1 overall record.

The guy is 63-3 and his teams have been defensively solid (the numbers don't lie), if you look at the D/C years in addition to this, 111-9 overall record, and (at least from 2002 on) never had a season where they allowed more than 17 PPG on average... that's 7 years of this kind of defensive numbers kids... I thought he'd have been a good HC look last year (see the old HonoluluBlue postings on sackcarr.com) and think he'd be a hell of a DC.

Any other ideas?

[Buzz]

The faults of UM's 2008 defense existed long before Schafer stepped foot in AA. He's not going to be able to perform miracles in 10 months.

I've never seen a Michigan defense look the way it did this past season. I wouldn't call the kind of job Schafer did this past season a miracle.......but it was pretty remarkable.

The Free Press article mentions nothing about Schafer being replaced, this is not where I got my information from. Someone I know (a Detroit area Analyst) mentioned to me something about Schafer being replaced. I'm not sure if it's true, that's why I refer to it as rumblings.

What's important to me is that Schafer is on notice, and I think that people are gathering some timber, and are trying to create that right-sized spark......to light a fire under his @ss.

The lack of top-end talent serves as no excuse for the kind performance Schafer displayed this past season.

Regardless of the situation, I support Schafer but imo I'd like to see someone else head up the Michigan football defensive staff.

[Columbusisawhore]

needs to be replaced with someone new... such as?

[Buzz]

needs to be replaced with someone new... such as?

Good question.....kind of tough to answer. Some of the top DCs currently holding positions as Defensive Coordinators are Bud Foster with VT, Bumpas from TCU, and Tyrone Nix of Ole Miss.

Michigan needs a coach that understands Michigan football, someone who doesn't need a course on Michigan tradition.

I'd definetly have a talk with Steve Morrison, coaching at WMU right now. but Morrison would be a project hire at this point in his career, not a lot of experience......but I'd take a look at him.

[Buzz]

If Schafer can lure Jenkins to AA, I'd say he gets a contract extension.

Lloyd and his staff had plenty of highly touted recruiting classes.

We now know how some of those classes turned out.....gotta be careful about getting excited and celebrating too early.

[tpilews]

Lloyd and his staff had plenty of highly touted recruiting classes.

We now know how some of those classes turned out.....gotta be careful about getting excited and celebrating too early.

Yeah, but the knock on those highly touted classes were that they were never developed. With Barwis, you know they're gonna get faster and stronger. And you know RR will develop his players. Isn't Schafer a LB technician or something like that?

[tpilews]

Good question.....kind of tough to answer. Some of the top DCs currently holding positions as Defensive Coordinators are Bud Foster with VT, Bumpas from TCU, and Tyrone Nix of Ole Miss.

Michigan needs a coach that understands Michigan football, someone who doesn't need a course on Michigan tradition.

I'd definetly have a talk with Steve Morrison, coaching at WMU right now. but Morrison would be a project hire at this point in his career, not a lot of experience......but I'd take a look at him.

Buzz, I don't know anything about those other coaches, but Columbusisawhore posted about Chuck Martin. I would be completely okay with his hire. He's got a proven track record of defensive success. And, you know he's a hard worker because of the success he's had at a DII school.

I'd hate to see these guys go through another defensive coaching change, but if it is to happen in the next two to three years, I'd rather it happened right now. Well, after LOI day.

[tpilews]

Good question.....kind of tough to answer. Some of the top DCs currently holding positions as Defensive Coordinators are Bud Foster with VT, Bumpas from TCU, and Tyrone Nix of Ole Miss.

Michigan needs a coach that understands Michigan football, someone who doesn't need a course on Michigan tradition.

I'd definetly have a talk with Steve Morrison, coaching at WMU right now. but Morrison would be a project hire at this point in his career, not a lot of experience......but I'd take a look at him.

After doing some research, I'd be fine with Bud Foster, he's got a proven track record of very good defenses as well. Dick Bumpas has been to about a dozen different schools. I'm not so high on him. TCU had a good defense before he was there, and they'll have a good defense after he leaves. I'd be fine with Nix though. He wouldn't be my top pick, but in the top 3.

[Mich Fan in Cbus]

What about Tuberville?? do you think any chance of getting him to come up here??

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

What about Tuberville?? do you think any chance of getting him to come up here??

lol that would be sick...
imagine the effect on recruiting

[W0lv3r1n3]

I was all for Tenuta last year but since he went to Notre Dame, I haven't really looked at who else is available.

Tuberville would be AMAZING. I'm still surprised he didn't find another HC position already. That would just be so freaking awesome if we landed him, better than Tenuta even. The only thing is I don't think the problem is reall with the DC, I think it's with the position coaches (I'm looking at you Gibson).

[Buzz]

Buzz, I don't know anything about those other coaches, but Columbusisawhore posted about Chuck Martin. I would be completely okay with his hire. He's got a proven track record of defensive success. And, you know he's a hard worker because of the success he's had at a DII school.

I'd hate to see these guys go through another defensive coaching change, but if it is to happen in the next two to three years, I'd rather it happened right now. Well, after LOI day.

I agree, and I'm in support of Schafer, I just don't approve of the job he did this past season.

It would be tough on the program to have to go through another coaching change. But if they did make a change at DC, Chuck Martin probably would be a great hire.

[tpilews]

Here's a writeup I saw on mgoblog. Good information here that really puts it all into perspective.


1. 4 vs 3 man front. Shafer is a 4-3 guy. However shafer likes the 3-4 okie defense, ESPECIALLY vs spread teams. Most of the top dc's in the country use some type of nickle package against spread teams, unless they have safeties and lb's that play well in space. SO shafer ran a lot of 3 man fronts against the spread teams and as his nickel package. All DLmen prefer 4 man fronts because they are DLmen, and they want them and their buddies to make plays, and believe that they can. But straight 4 man fronts, against spread teams is suicide unless you have lb's that make big plays in space (Michigan did not this year) the other alternative is that 4-2 nickle that shafer used some as well getting thompson off the field for harrison. The fact that Michigan was not good on 3 downs had ZERO to do with scheme and everything to do with the fact that our lb's and safeties were not very good in coverage. doesn't matter if we had 50 DLmen out there... the 3-3 experiment was something the rr people wanted to try, and that was the perfect week to do it.. nothing at stake, wr turned qb who we didn't think would be able to throw, etc. it didn't work, so be it... The less spread we saw, the less 3 man fronts we ran, except in passing situations... because the best way to blitz is with deception, and the 3 man front offers more deception and flexibility of coverages..

2. this year vs last. 2 words, englemon-adams. In shafers system these would be the top two safeties in the country. Michigan losing them was huge, and no defense can survive the type of safety play we had this year, unless their lb's were studs. I have never seen a defense of Michigan implement as many coverage schemes as this year, and that was 100% due to the fact that shafer was trying to cover up major personal issues at safety, and LB....

3. THe wings fell off the freekin plane. IT is ok to have an opinion but dont say "we couldnt tackle or cover, but the rest is on shafer" no we couldnt tackle or cover, that's all that has to be said. It doesnt matter if it was tenuta, veneables, Amato, Gruden, etc. just like it takes time to implement a zone read offense, it takes time to implement the techniques needed to run a complicated defense. Shafer was a frustrated coach that couldn't spend the time teaching the fundamentals that were sorely lacking as the season progressed.. and it became more and more evident that there was not the personnel to fill the holes that were hurting us. Look for major improvements next year. if we don't see it, then you can START to talk about coaching... but even then, it took me 4 years at this school to really implement the type of defense that we can run now.

coaches have to be able to fit the right schemes vs offenses, and shafer did that. Then coaches have to teach the fundamentals and the techniques to implement their system and give the players a chance to make plays, and that takes more than a season to implement.

very seldom was Michigan out of position to make a play, that speaks more about players than coaches, obviously... the coaches for the most part had kids in places to be successful, but by sometimes a very small margin, did not execute well. When a lack of execution happens on offense you lose yards, when it happens on defense you give up td's... simple as that...

[amazinblue]

tpilews,

Thanks for the write up. I think it's on the mark - and, though Shafer is the coach I've been hardest on this season, it's just because I thought we had more potential and talent there this season.

As I've said with RR - he hasn't recruited a single full class on his own, neither has Shafer. And, what I'm looking for in the D is aggressiveness - and the flexibility to rush two or three and apply some pressure on the QB, to bring the house and get to the WB past, LB's that hit - and hit hard, a secondary that's comfortable in zone or man, and a defensive unit that's exposed to and can handle an opposing spread offense.

[Bossgobbler23]

It was a good article that opened my eyes. I too was "silently" skeptical of Schafer. I too thought the returning D would be great but this article I believe is right on the money. Like with any change, it takes time.

[amazinblue]

I think one of our challenges on both O and D has been fundamentals, or lack thereof. The staff has to be focusing on that in the off season and in spring / pre-season - summer / fall practices. I also think we'll be seeing more of what Barwis' S&C program can do for the development of the players.

Without doubt, player development while at Michigan, is the area that I've had a concern with for a while. I do believe that the emphasis on all aspects of play - development, schemes, etc. - is the most exciting thing about Michigan football right now.

My guess (or hope) is that we'll see significant improvement in fundamentals and execution in all facets of the game this season - and that improvement will continue in the seasons to come.

[GoBlue21]

I think one of our challenges on both O and D has been fundamentals, or lack thereof. The staff has to be focusing on that in the off season and in spring / pre-season - summer / fall practices. I also think we'll be seeing more of what Barwis' S&C program can do for the development of the players.

Without doubt, player development while at Michigan, is the area that I've had a concern with for a while. I do believe that the emphasis on all aspects of play - development, schemes, etc. - is the most exciting thing about Michigan football right now.

My guess (or hope) is that we'll see significant improvement in fundamentals and execution in all facets of the game this season - and that improvement will continue in the seasons to come.

Just special teams alone will help improve this team tremendously. How many fumbled punts or kickoffs did Michigan have this year? That doesn't help the offense or the defense!!! It puts the defense in the 'sudden change' situations and doesn't help the offense get reps. The offense needed ALL THE REPS it could get this year and the defense needed BREAKS whenever possible...

[tpilews]

Just special teams alone will help improve this team tremendously. How many fumbled punts or kickoffs did Michigan have this year? That doesn't help the offense or the defense!!! It puts the defense in the 'sudden change' situations and doesn't help the offense get reps. The offense needed ALL THE REPS it could get this year and the defense needed BREAKS whenever possible...

Yeah, I agree. Gallon, from what I hear, is going to be the return man next year. Personally, I'm excited as hell to see this little guy running circles around tacklers.

[GoBlue21]

Yeah, I agree. Gallon, from what I hear, is going to be the return man next year. Personally, I'm excited as hell to see this little guy running circles around tacklers.

I haven't heard a lot on these recruits, just read snippets on here and whatever I can on rivals/scout...

You guys have to help me out in this department, any information is critical!!! Lol

[Bossgobbler23]

Yeah, I agree. Gallon, from what I hear, is going to be the return man next year. Personally, I'm excited as hell to see this little guy running circles around tacklers.

I watched a game on ESPN during the year that featured Gallon's team. That kid is a one man show! He can do it all! He is an ATHLETE and half!

[elno lewis]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/hazmat16380/av-408.gif

[pryorthrowslikeagirl]

Gallons' extremely talented no doubt, but dont you think its a little early to say he will be the starting kick returner when he hasnt even stepped foot on campus yet? personally i dont want another freshman fiasco with kick returners like we had last year. I like seeing boobacar run them back with his free arm flying in all directions (weird style) but he gets it done.

[tpilews]

Gallons' extremely talented no doubt, but dont you think its a little early to say he will be the starting kick returner when he hasnt even stepped foot on campus yet? personally i dont want another freshman fiasco with kick returners like we had last year. I like seeing boobacar run them back with his free arm flying in all directions (weird style) but he gets it done.

This is not my prediction. I've read it a couple times somewhere. Yeah, obviously it's too early to give him special team's player of the year award, but I don't think it's out of the ordinary to assume he will get a shot at it.

Honestly, on punt returns I was most happy with Mathews. He had the best hands of any return guy. I never felt like I had to hold my breath when he was back there. With as bad as it was last year, I could care less if he returned it two yards, just as long as we retained possession.

[bluefan]

I like seeing boobacar run them back with his free arm flying in all directions (weird style) but he gets it done.

Let's just call him "boob" from now on. I think he'd like that. I know I do.

[Bossgobbler23]

This is not my prediction. I've read it a couple times somewhere. Yeah, obviously it's too early to give him special team's player of the year award, but I don't think it's out of the ordinary to assume he will get a shot at it.

Honestly, on punt returns I was most happy with Mathews. He had the best hands of any return guy. I never felt like I had to hold my breath when he was back there. With as bad as it was last year, I could care less if he returned it two yards, just as long as we retained possession.

I always held my breath on kickoffs and punt returns too. Catching a football has got the be the most fundamental thing a player does, right?

[Medic]

I know a lot of people didn't care for him but jesus christ one year and out the door? As if he was going to call down thunder from on high and magically make our defense not suck ass from its previous years as well?

This is a huge disappointment to me in respect to RR's ability to weather adversity. I really don't think you could hang this years defense on Schafer but whatever. The football "you must win right now and score 50 bajillion points a game and give up 0" gods have spoken.

[Buzz]

Here's a writeup I saw on mgoblog. Good information here that really puts it all into perspective.

I was going to post my comments on what I didn't like from Schafer.....but after hearing today's news, I'm not going to "pour salt on the wound".

I will say this though, the biggest problem with Schafer was that he in his first year with Michigan delegated way too much down to his staff.

With him sitting up in the box, there was way too much space between Schafer, the rest of his staff and along with the players.

Michigan needs a coach.....especially now during this rebuilding phase who's very hands on.

The prevent variant coverage he had his players in the whole season didn't help his case, either.

It was the right decision, good for the DBL R and for Michigan

[pryorthrowslikeagirl]

Let's just call him "boob" from now on. I think he'd like that. I know I do.

Haha Done.