In a significant move for the Michigan Wolverines, head coach Kyle Whittingham is bolstering his initial coaching staff in Ann Arbor by bringing in Mike Lynch, who previously served as the offensive line coach at Nevada. This addition, reported by FootballScoop, aims to enhance the offensive strategy of the team by utilizing Lynch's extensive experience as an analyst.
Lynch has just completed his second season with the Wolf Pack, where he initially took charge of the running backs. During his tenure, despite facing challenges such as injuries, the team managed to achieve its highest rushing yardage since 2019, accumulating a total of 1,284 yards at an impressive average of 4.77 yards per carry. Notably, the backfield duo of Savion Red and Patrick Garwo III contributed significantly, combining for 13 rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Brendon Lewis added 775 rushing yards to the mix.
Before his successful stint at Nevada, Lynch dedicated eight seasons to Syracuse, where he began coaching running backs in 2018. He had prior roles as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach there as well. His most remarkable achievement occurred in 2021 when Syracuse recorded a staggering 2,562 rushing yards, marking the fifth-best total in the program’s history. Lynch's resume also includes a position as co-offensive coordinator at Bowling Green in 2015, where the team excelled, ranking among the top ten nationally in total offense, passing efficiency, third-down conversions, and scoring, ultimately leading the Falcons to a MAC championship and a bowl game appearance.
Lynch's coaching journey also took him to Eastern Illinois, where from 2005 to 2013, he played a pivotal role in developing multiple 1,000-yard rushers and had a hand in training wide receivers, notably FCS All-American Micah Rucker. He also spent five seasons at Utah State, focusing on tight ends, including future NFL Pro Bowler Chris Cooley.
As a former offensive lineman at Montana, Lynch’s background is perfectly suited to Michigan’s philosophy, which emphasizes physicality and a robust running game structure. He joins a comprehensive offensive staff that features Jason Back as the offensive coordinator, with Tony Alford coaching the running backs and Jim Harding overseeing the offensive line. Additionally, Freddie Whittingham will take charge of the tight ends, while Micah Simon manages the wide receivers. The coaching lineup also includes Koy Detmer Jr., Fred Jackson, and Marques Hagans, who will each handle quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, respectively.
