Michigan's Troy Bowles discusses new 'run and hit' defense

Linebacker talks about impact of new defensive coordinator Jay Hill and linebackers coach Alex Whittingham

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:33pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a Michigan football player making a tackle, with sharp planes of maize and blue representing the team's new defensive identity.A cubist interpretation of Michigan's new-look defense captures the physicality and playmaking focus under the team's revamped coaching staff.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan linebacker Troy Bowles discussed the team's new 'run and hit' defense under new defensive coordinator Jay Hill, as well as the influence of new linebackers coach Alex Whittingham, who previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bowles highlighted the physicality and playmaking focus of the new system, and how Whittingham's NFL experience has helped the linebackers group.

Why it matters

Michigan is undergoing a significant defensive overhaul this offseason with a new coaching staff and scheme. Bowles' insights provide an inside look at the changes and how the players are adapting, which will be crucial to the Wolverines' success in the upcoming season.

The details

Bowles, a transfer from Georgia, played a key reserve role on defense last season and is now seen as a leader of the unit. He described the new 'run and hit' defense as very physical and putting the players in position to make plays. The linebackers group has benefited from new position coach Alex Whittingham's NFL experience, with the players studying tape of Chiefs players like Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. Whittingham has also implemented new structure and discipline, requiring players to be early to meetings.

  • The Michigan football team will hold its annual spring game on April 18 at The Big House.
  • Whittingham spent the previous 8 years working his way up in the Kansas City Chiefs organization.

The players

Troy Bowles

A linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines football team, who transferred from Georgia and played a key reserve role last season.

Jay Hill

The new defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines football team.

Alex Whittingham

The new linebackers coach for the Michigan Wolverines football team, who previously worked for 8 years in the Kansas City Chiefs organization.

Nick Bolton

A linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose tape the Michigan linebackers have been studying under Whittingham's guidance.

Drue Tranquill

A linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose tape the Michigan linebackers have been studying under Whittingham's guidance.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely a run and hit and a lot of physicality. The room is definitely new, but I like all the guys we brought in, personality-wise and playing-wise. And the new system with Coach Hill, I like it a lot. Put us in the right position to make plays, everybody on the field. That's what I believe, and you can see it in our practices.”

— Troy Bowles, Linebacker

“I like him a lot. You could definitely tell he came from the league. And he's teaching us -- we watch a lot of Chiefs tape because that's where he came from. So just looking at guys like Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. Been watching a lot of tape on them, so they've definitely been teaching us a lot.”

— Troy Bowles, Linebacker

“It's definitely a little bit of an adjustment in a structure standpoint, but I feel like it's definitely really good for us. We've been honed in on the details with Coach Whittingham, as in the warm-up. We do a lot more with the strength and conditioning staff, so I think it's been great for us.”

— Troy Bowles, Linebacker

What’s next

Fans will get to see the new-look Wolverines on April 18, when the team takes the field for the annual spring game at The Big House.

The takeaway

Michigan's defensive overhaul under new coordinator Jay Hill and linebackers coach Alex Whittingham is aimed at creating a more physical, playmaking unit. Whittingham's NFL experience has been particularly valuable in shaping the linebackers group, as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.