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2w ago

Michigan Set to Hire Vanderbilt’s Larry Black as Defensive Tackles Coach

ESPN reports the move fills Lou Esposito’s vacancy with a 36-year-old co-coordinator known for boosting Vanderbilt’s rush defense.

Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham speaks as he is being introduced on the floor during the first half between Michigan and USC at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
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Overview

  • Multiple outlets, including ESPN’s Pete Thamel, report Black will be Michigan’s defensive tackles coach, with the hire pending official confirmation.
  • Lou Esposito’s departure to become the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line coach created the opening Black is expected to fill.
  • Black coached Vanderbilt’s defensive line from 2022 to 2025 and was elevated to co-defensive coordinator, with the Commodores finishing 18th nationally in rush defense and recording 31 sacks in 2025.
  • He is slated to work specifically with the interior line in Ann Arbor and pair with edge coach Lewis Powell on Kyle Whittingham’s staff.
  • Michigan looked outside the program after initial expectation of promoting assistant David Denham, while the current tackles group features returning starter Trey Pierce, reserve Enow Etta, and Utah transfer Jonah Lea’ea.