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Michigan Football Makes Home Run Offensive Line Coach Hire

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Michigan football’s staff makeover under new head coach Kyle Whittingham continues, and this time, the Wolverines are adding one of the most respected offensive line developers in college football.

A report from Pete Nakos indicates that Utah offensive line coach and assistant head coach Jim Harding is set to join Michigan’s staff in the same roles ahead of the 2025 season. Harding has spent more than a decade anchoring Utah’s trenches and helping build one of the nation’s most physical offenses.

Importantly, Harding also brings deep Michigan roots to Ann Arbor, he is the former head football coach at Troy High School (Mich.), where he led the program in 2008 after three seasons as the school’s defensive coordinator.

A Proven Track Record of Elite Offensive Line Play

Heading into the 2025 season, Harding entered his 12th season at Utah, where his offensive lines have consistently ranked among the best in the country. He has coached:

  • Nine first-team All-Pac-12 or All-Big-12 selections
  • Six NFL Draft picks
  • Multiple Morris Trophy winners (awarded to the league’s top offensive lineman)

His list of standout linemen includes Garett Bolles, Braeden Daniels, Sataoa Laumea, Nick Ford, Spencer Fano, and Caleb Lomu, among others. Utah also produced one of the nation’s top rushing attacks during his tenure, blocking for eight 1,000-yard rushers over the last 11 seasons.

Harding has served not only as offensive line coach, but also:

  • Utah Assistant Head Coach (since 2017)
  • Co-Offensive Coordinator (2015–16)

Before arriving in Salt Lake City, Harding coached at Wyoming, Missouri, and Troy High School, and was a four-year starting offensive tackle at Toledo.

Why This Hire Matters for Michigan

Whittingham is clearly intent on rebuilding Michigan’s identity through toughness and trench dominance — something Harding has specialized in throughout his career.

Under Harding, Utah:

  • Ranked elite nationally in yards per rush and sacks allowed
  • Produced multiple NFL-ready linemen
  • Maintained a consistently physical offensive culture

Now, he’ll be tasked with helping Michigan maintain its tradition of offensive line excellence while also mentoring the program under Whittingham as assistant head coach.

Harding’s combination of Big Ten ties, high-level production, and leadership experience makes him one of the most impactful hires yet in Michigan’s rapidly-forming staff.

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Don Drysdale

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