Veteran coordinator Kerry Coombs arrives in Ann Arbor, bringing 42 years of experience and a surprising past. Can he revitalize Michigan's special teams?
The University of Michigan football program has made a significant addition to its coaching staff, tapping veteran coach Kerry Coombs as the new Special Teams Coordinator. The announcement by Head Coach Sherrone Moore comes quickly after the recent dismissal of J.B. Brown, signaling a decisive move to revitalize a unit that saw inconsistency during the recent season. Coombs, 64, brings an astonishing 42 years of coaching experience across the high school, collegiate, and professional ranks, injecting a wealth of knowledge and a history of success into the Wolverines’ program.
A Proven Track Record and a Familiar Rival
Coombs's hiring is noteworthy not just for his tenure, but for his deep—and somewhat surprising—ties to the Wolverines' most intense rival. Before accepting the position in Ann Arbor, Coombs served two stints at Ohio State, including a six-year run (2012–2017) where he was the Cornerbacks Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. He later returned to Columbus as the Defensive Coordinator (2020–2021). This history adds a compelling layer to his arrival in Michigan, making him one of a handful of coaches to cross the rivalry divide in recent years.
Beyond Ohio State, Coombs's resume is robust. He spent 16 years as a decorated high school head coach in Ohio, securing a Division I state championship. At the collegiate level, he had multiple tenures at Cincinnati, where he also coordinated special teams for several seasons. His most recent stop was back at Cincinnati (2022–2024) as the Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach, where his units produced multiple All-Big 12 honorees. Furthermore, he spent two seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans as a secondary coach, contributing to one of the league’s top defensive units and a 2019 AFC Championship Game appearance.
The Task: Rebuilding Special Teams
The primary expectation for Coombs is a significant upgrade in Michigan's third phase of the game. Special teams struggled at times during the previous season, particularly in the punting and punt return departments.
“Coach Kerry Coombs is a proven, exceptional football coach, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our program,” said Moore. “Kerry’s leadership of our special teams will be invaluable. His expertise in teaching and mentoring has consistently shaped both outstanding athletes and remarkable young men—including some of the nation’s top special teams players and cornerbacks. We’re proud to have Kerry, Holly, and their family join the Michigan Football family.”
Coombs has a history of developing elite talent, particularly at cornerback, but his success in coordinating special teams is what the Wolverines are banking on. During his previous tenure coordinating special teams at Ohio State, his units were often lauded for their performance and high energy. He also served as the special teams coordinator at Cincinnati from 2009–2011, leveraging his deep understanding of the game's pivotal moments.
The Recruiting Edge and Program Fit
Aside from his on-field coaching acumen, Coombs is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier recruiters. He was named the 2017 Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year and selected as the Big Ten’s Recruiter of the Year on three occasions. This recruiting prowess will be a major asset for Moore’s staff, as the program looks to maintain its elite talent pipeline.
The hiring of Coombs is a clear statement by Sherrone Moore: he is prioritizing experience, passion, and proven results to ensure the Wolverines remain an elite, nationally competitive program across all three phases of the game. For Michigan fans, the hope is that Coombs can quickly translate his four decades of experience and fiery energy into a dominant special teams unit, helping to win the field position battle and swing crucial momentum in future campaigns, especially against his former employer.