Michigan's offensive coaching staff underwent some major shakeups this offseason as passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch and running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley both left the program. However, Gregg Henson of Gridiron Now reports that Harbaugh essentially forced the two out of the program:
Two sources confirm that Michigan’s recent offensive-staff shakeup definitely was intentional by coach Jim Harbaugh.
Sources say the departures of Jedd Fisch and Tyrone Wheatley are not unexpected and part of Harbaugh’s plan. While Harbaugh liked and respected both Fisch and Wheatley, sources say he wasn’t thrilled with the way the passing offense worked down the stretch.
There was a division among the offensive coaches (Harbaugh, Fisch, offensive coordinator Tim Drevno and Wheatley) as to the best way to improve the unit and Drevno’s opinion won out. The reason Fisch left for UCLA is he wanted more control over the play-calling and that wasn’t happening with Drevno in place as the play-caller.
As for Wheatley, he and Harbaugh didn’t see eye to eye, so Harbaugh decided not to renew his contract. That prompted the interview with Western Michigan for its coaching vacancy before Wheatley accepted a job as the running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Michigan replaced Fisch with Pep Hamilton, who was the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns last season and worked with Harbaugh at Stanford. Hamilton is also the team's assistant head coach.
They have yet to hire a replacement for Wheatley.
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