Steve Clinkscale, Michigan football’s DB coach and top recruiter, was traded to the Chargers.
Michigan football coaches are still quitting the team.
Steve Clinkscale, the defensive backs coach and coordinator of the Wolverines’ defensive passing game, is reportedly leaving to work with Jim Harbaugh’s staff at the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who talked to the Free Press.
Clinkscale, 46, will take up the same role in Los Angeles, and he is expected to inform the players of his decision on Saturday.
He is the fifth player from the previous season to leave for Los Angeles, joining Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, defensive line coach Mike Elston, and strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert.
RAINER SABIN: The advantages and disadvantages of Michigan’s new defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale
Although he’s joining former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s staff in Seattle, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh also departed for the NFL.
The Wolverines were reportedly poised to hire Don “Wink” Martindale as their new defensive coordinator, according to reports that surfaced on Friday.
After his debut season, Clinkscale was promoted to co-defensive coordinator and played for the Wolverines for the previous three seasons. Throughout his three seasons, U-M’s pass defense and pass defensive efficiency were within the top 20 and top 30 in the nation, respectively. That included 2023, when Michigan ranked No. 2 in yards allowed and led the country in scoring defense.
Under his leadership, Michigan finished 40-3 with three victories against Ohio State, three Big Ten titles, three trips to the College Football Playoffs, and a national championship.
Clinkscale, a three-year player for the Wolverines, was elevated to co-defensive coordinator following his rookie campaign. U-M’s pass defense and pass defensive efficiency were among the top 20 and top 30 in the country over his three seasons, respectively. That included 2023, when Michigan dominated the nation in scoring defense and was ranked second in yards allowed.
Under his direction, Michigan won a national championship, three Big Ten titles, three wins over Ohio State, and three trips to the College Football Playoffs in their 40-3 record.
