After a flurry of additions on the offensive side of the ball, new Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham is making it crystal clear, the defense isn’t being ignored.
According to multiple reports, Whittingham has landed one of his top targets, hiring BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill to take over the same role in Ann Arbor. The move brings Hill back alongside Whittingham, a coach he both played for and coached with at Utah for a combined 15 seasons.
Sources: BYU DC Jay Hill has officially agreed to become Michigan’s defensive coordinator. He’d been Kyle Whittingham’s target since he took over at Michigan.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 1, 2026
A Proven Defensive Turnaround Artist
Hill arrives at Michigan with a reputation for transforming defenses. Since taking over at BYU after the 2022 season, he turned the Cougars from one of the worst defensive units in the country into one of the most productive.
- 1st in the Big 12 in scoring defense (19.4 PPG allowed) over the last two seasons
- Led the nation with 22 interceptions in 2024
- Posted BYU’s highest sack total since 2016 (30 in 2025)
Before his time at BYU, Hill built a winning culture as the head coach at Weber State (2014–22), going 68–39 and capturing four Big Sky Conference championships.
This isn’t just a hire, it’s a reunion built on trust, continuity, and shared philosophy.
What It Means for Michigan
Michigan’s defense under Wink Martindale in 2025 was solid, allowing 312.3 yards and 18.7 points per game, but the Wolverines struggled late and fell 41–27 to Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Whittingham wants toughness, discipline, and takeaways, and Hill brings all three.
His track record suggests:
- Aggressive, opportunistic defense
- Emphasis on turnovers
- Strong discipline and culture-building
Exactly the identity Michigan fans have come to expect.
What’s Next
With Hill leaving BYU, head coach Kalani Sitake now faces the challenge of replacing him while also working to retain key defensive players and assistants in Provo.
Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Whittingham’s staff is quickly taking shape, and Michigan’s defensive future suddenly looks a lot more intimidating.
