Kyle Whittingham continues to build out his new Michigan football staff, and he’s bringing another familiar face with him from BYU.
According to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the Wolverines are set to hire Jernaro Gilford, who has served as BYU’s cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Gilford has been a staple on the Cougars’ defensive staff since 2016, developing multiple all-conference defensive backs and helping shape BYU’s secondary identity over the past decade.
Before his time in Provo, Gilford coached the secondary at Southern Utah (2014–15) and began his coaching career at Whittier College as a graduate assistant working with cornerbacks and special teams in 2012–13.
Gilford’s move reunites him with Whittingham as Michigan continues reshaping its defensive staff heading into a new era. With experience teaching technique, discipline, and ball skills on the perimeter, Gilford is expected to play a key role in developing the Wolverines’ cornerback room moving forward.
More staff updates and potential roster ripple effects are likely to follow as Whittingham finalizes his first Michigan coaching lineup.
