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Ann Arbor Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan Taps Vanderbilt's Larry Black as New D-Tackles Coach
Black, 36, spent the past four seasons at Vanderbilt, where he coached the defensive line and was recently elevated to co-defensive coordinator.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Michigan has reportedly hired Larry Black, who spent the past four seasons at Vanderbilt, as its new defensive tackles coach. Black, 36, coached the defensive line at Vanderbilt from 2022 to 2025 and was recently promoted to co-defensive coordinator. He replaces Lou Esposito, who left Michigan to become the defensive line coach for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
Why it matters
Michigan's defensive tackle group is led by returning starter Trey Pierce and key reserve Enow Etta. The Wolverines recently added Utah's Jonah Lea'ea to the mix as well. Black's experience developing Vanderbilt's defensive line, which improved its rush defense every season he was there, could help strengthen Michigan's interior defensive line.
The details
Black spent the past four seasons at Vanderbilt, where he coached the defensive line and was recently elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Prior to Vanderbilt, he coached the defensive line at Toledo for three seasons, from 2019 to '21, and served as a graduate assistant coach at Notre Dame and Toledo. A Cincinnati, Ohio, native, Black played four seasons at Indiana, where he totaled 127 career tackles in 48 games for the Hoosiers from 2008 to '12. He played two seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals after going undrafted in 2013.
- Black spent the past four seasons at Vanderbilt, from 2022 to 2025.
- He was recently promoted to co-defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt.
The players
Larry Black
A 36-year-old coach who spent the past four seasons at Vanderbilt, where he coached the defensive line and was recently elevated to co-defensive coordinator.
Trey Pierce
A returning starter on Michigan's defensive line.
Enow Etta
A key reserve on Michigan's defensive line.
Jonah Lea'ea
A defensive lineman who recently transferred to Michigan from Utah.
Lou Esposito
The former defensive tackles coach at Michigan who left to become the defensive line coach for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
What’s next
Black will be tasked with bringing along Michigan's defensive tackles, a group led by returning starter Trey Pierce and key reserve Enow Etta. Michigan recently added Utah's Jonah Lea'ea to the mix as well.
The takeaway
Michigan has brought in an experienced defensive line coach in Larry Black to help develop its interior defensive linemen. Black's track record of improving Vanderbilt's rush defense and sack production could be a valuable asset for the Wolverines as they look to strengthen their defensive front.
