In the exhaust fumes of uncertainty, heartache and failure, the man nicknamed Dr. Blitz was sacked.
The news came suddenly like a screaming rusher off the edge. Don Brown, Michigan football's defensive coordinator, became the first casualty from the most painful season endured in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.
[ Here's why Michigan is making the right move by firing Don Brown ]
Shoddy quarterback play undermined an offense that was punchless for stretches. But it was Brown’s defense that experienced the greatest regression — plummeting from 25th in the nation in points allowed to 96th in a year’s time.