Michigan Hires Larry Black as Defensive Tackles Coach

Black joins Wolverines after successful stint at Vanderbilt

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Michigan Wolverines have officially announced the hiring of Larry Black as their new defensive tackles coach. Black, who previously served as co-defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt, replaces Lou Esposito on the Michigan coaching staff. He brings a strong track record of developing defensive linemen, including several future NFL players he coached at Notre Dame and Toledo.

Why it matters

The addition of Black to Michigan's defensive coaching staff is an important move as the Wolverines look to build on their strong defensive performance in 2025. Black's expertise in coaching the defensive line and his ability to develop talent will be crucial as Michigan aims to maintain its status as one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten.

The details

Black spent the last four seasons at Vanderbilt, where he helped the Commodores' defensive line rank 18th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game in 2025. Prior to Vanderbilt, he coached the defensive line at Toledo and was a graduate assistant at Notre Dame, where he worked with several future NFL players. Black played defensive tackle at Indiana from 2009-13 before beginning his coaching career.

  • Black was officially announced as Michigan's new defensive tackles coach on February 18, 2026.
  • He replaces Lou Esposito, who left Michigan to take a job with the Baltimore Ravens.

The players

Larry Black

The new defensive tackles coach for the Michigan Wolverines, who previously served as co-defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt.

Kyle Whittingham

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team.

Clark Lea

The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores football team, with whom Black previously worked.

Lou Esposito

The former defensive tackles coach at Michigan, who has accepted a job with the Baltimore Ravens.

Jesse Minter

The defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, who hired Esposito.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome Larry Black to our coaching staff. His experience developing defensive linemen and his success at Vanderbilt make him a great addition to our program.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

Black will begin his duties with the Michigan Wolverines immediately, as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Larry Black as Michigan's new defensive tackles coach is a significant move that should bolster the Wolverines' defensive line and continue the program's strong defensive performance in recent years.