Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Don Brown was his top choice to become defensive coordinator.
Harbaugh on Monday formally announced the hire of the 60-year-old Brown, who was defensive coordinator at Boston College the last three seasons. The Eagles had the nation's top-rated defense this season.
Brown replaces D.J. Durkin, who is now the Maryland head coach.
Harbaugh spoke about Durkin during a WXYZ-TV appearance Monday night.
"Don Brown was our favorite coach, first coach," Harbaugh said, adding he consulted several coaches, including his father, Jack, and brother John, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, about Brown.