The Michigan football team’s recently hired defensive line coach might be new to the Wolverines’ program, but he’s no stranger to its home state.
On Friday, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore officially hired Lou Esposito as the Wolverines’ new defensive line coach. Esposito fills the spot that Greg Scruggs left, following Scruggs’ resignation after allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
“I am excited to welcome Lou to our Michigan Football family and look forward to having his leadership and experience directing our defensive linemen,” Moore said in a statement. “Lou is a great defensive mind that has developed outstanding players and produced top units at the line of scrimmage throughout his coaching career. He will be a great asset and mentor for the young men in our program.”
Esposito comes to Ann Arbor from Memphis, his alma mater, where he was hired as co-defensive coordinator in January. Before returning to the Tigers, though, Esposito spent seven years with Western Michigan as well as brief stints at Davenport and Ferris State — all Michigan schools.
In his last few years as defensive coordinator for the Broncos, Esposito led one of the best defenses in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). During the 2022 season, Western Michigan ranked third in scoring defense and second in yards allowed. According to Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, Esposito was Michigan’s top choice after the departure of Scruggs.
Now, Esposito will take the reins of what could be one of the best defensive lines in both the Big Ten and the nation, highlighted by top returners in junior defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
Esposito joins a coaching staff that went through significant turnover this offseason. He did overlap with new tight ends coach Steve Casula at Western Michigan and Davenport, ensuring at least one familiar face.
As spring ball continues to ramp up, the Wolverines and Moore hope that Esposito is the last piece of their coaching puzzle.
