Michigan has officially appointed Jay Hill as its new defensive coordinator. This significant decision was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on January 1, 2026. Hill will transition from his recent role at BYU, where he spent three successful years in a similar position.
Jay Hill’s Coaching Journey
Before joining BYU, Jay Hill served as the head coach at Weber State from 2014 to 2022. During his tenure, he achieved a record of 68 wins and 39 losses. Hill also led the Wildcats to four Big Sky Conference championships.
Transforming BYU’s Defense
At BYU, Hill dramatically improved the performance of the Cougar defense. Under his leadership, BYU’s defense ranked first in the Big 12 for scoring defense, allowing an average of just 19.4 points per game over the past two seasons. Notably, in 2024, the Cougars recorded 22 interceptions, the highest in the nation, and in 2025, they achieved a total of 30 sacks, their best since 2016.
Reunion with Kyle Whittingham
Hill’s appointment reunites him with Michigan’s new head coach, Kyle Whittingham. The two have a long history together at the University of Utah, where Hill both played and coached for a combined 15 years. This connection likely influenced Michigan’s decision to hire Hill.
Michigan’s Recent Performance
This past season, Michigan’s defense, coordinated by Wink Martindale, allowed an average of 312.3 yards and 18.7 points per game. Despite the defensive efforts, the Wolverines suffered a defeat against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, ending the game at 41-27.
Looking Ahead
Hill’s departure from BYU leaves a significant vacancy in their coaching staff. Head coach Kalani Sitake will now seek to fill the defensive coordinator position and focus on retaining existing Cougar defensive players and coaches.
