Michigan's New DC Jay Hill Talks Transition, Whittingham, and Expectations

Hill discusses his move from Weber State to Michigan, working under Kyle Whittingham, and building the Wolverines' defense.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 7:39pm

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In a recent interview on the In the Trenches podcast, new Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill discussed his transition to Ann Arbor, his experiences as an offensive assistant, and lessons learned from his time as a head coach at Weber State. Hill also shared insights into working with Kalani Sitake at BYU and the challenges of going from head coach to coordinator. Additionally, Hill spoke about his respect for Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and the defensive philosophy he plans to implement with the Wolverines.

Why it matters

Hill's hiring as Michigan's new defensive coordinator is a significant move, as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His insights into the program's transition and his vision for the defense will be closely watched by Michigan fans as the team looks to build on recent successes and compete for Big Ten and national championships.

The details

Hill discussed his excitement about the opportunity to coach at Michigan, noting the university's potential to win national and Big Ten titles. He highlighted the discipline and toughness that Whittingham brings, which he believes is a perfect match for the Wolverines. Hill also spoke about the challenges of moving his family from Utah to Michigan, but said the decision to join the program was an easy one. Additionally, Hill shared his perspective on Whittingham's growth as a head coach, praising his X's and O's expertise and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football.

  • Hill was hired as Michigan's defensive coordinator in January 2026.

The players

Jay Hill

The new defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan football team, who previously served as the head coach at Weber State University and an assistant coach at BYU.

Kyle Whittingham

The head coach of the University of Michigan football team, who previously worked with Hill as the defensive coordinator at the University of Utah.

Kalani Sitake

The head coach of the BYU football team, with whom Hill worked as an assistant coach.

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What they’re saying

“Well, Ann Arbor has been awesome. I love the university. It's been fun to get to know the players. We're so excited about just the future of what we think Michigan football will be. It has been cold. People say you're used to the cold being in Utah, but it's been cold.”

— Jay Hill, Defensive Coordinator, University of Michigan (In the Trenches podcast)

“Kalani is a phenomenal person. He's a people person. Everybody loves him. He does a great job of motivating because the players know he cares about them, and so, as a consequence, he can push them because they know he cares.”

— Jay Hill, Defensive Coordinator, University of Michigan (In the Trenches podcast)

“Coach Whit called me and said, hey, I think I have this opportunity. What do you think? I said, coach, I'm in because it's Michigan, and I believe that we can win national championships here. I believe we can win consistent Big Ten championships here.”

— Jay Hill, Defensive Coordinator, University of Michigan (In the Trenches podcast)

What’s next

Hill and the Michigan coaching staff will continue to evaluate the team's roster and implement their defensive philosophy during spring practices and summer workouts, with the goal of having the defense fully prepared for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jay Hill's hiring as Michigan's new defensive coordinator represents a significant addition to the program, as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His insights into the transition, his respect for head coach Kyle Whittingham, and his vision for the Wolverines' defense suggest that Michigan's defense could be poised for a strong performance in the upcoming season.