Since Jim Harbaugh’s arrival at Michigan almost three years ago, there has been regular turnover on the Wolverines’ staff as assistant coaches have pursued other opportunities. According to ESPN.com’s Ivan Maisel, safeties coach Brian Smith will the latest to head elsewhere, taking over the defensive coordinator duties at Rice.
The report from Maisel did not specify if Smith would stay on for the bowl game, stating only that he would join Mike Bloomgren’s new staff with the Owls, along with Jerry Mack as offensive coordinator.
Smith is the second coach to mentor safeties under Harbaugh at Michigan, holding that position for two seasons after Greg Jackson left after just one year.