Long-time Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson, who has been the running backs coach at Michigan for the past 22 seasons, will retire shortly after the Michigan bowl game against Kansas State, an Michigan football insider told me recently.
Jackson, who's son Jeremy is a senior WR at Michigan, is 63 years old and will announce his retirement officially in early January, giving Michigan enough time to name a new RB coach prior to recruiting National Signing Day on Wednesday February 5, 2014.
Jackson is one of the longest serving assistants in all of college football, having coached under head coaches at Michigan. During his tenure, he has coached Michigan legends such as Tyrone Wheatley, Tim Biakabutuka, Anthony Thomas and Mike Hart. Jackson coached running backs are 4 of the top 6 leading career rushers from the RB position in Michigan history. Also, Jackson's backs has 4 of the best 5 rushing seasons in Michigan history for RBs. (*Denard Robinson is among leading rushers in both categories, but from QB position).
Replacements:
The names to replace Jackson will immediately turn to 2 former players: Buffalo Bills RB coach Tyrone Wheatley and former Eastern Michigan RB coach Mike Hart, who was recently let go from the EMU staff when head coach Ron English was fired.
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