Shafer out as Defensive Coordinator at UofM

Scott Shafer, the now former Michigan defensive coordinator was blamed for the majority of Michigan's defensive woes this year and I'd say it was deserved. Given the amount of talent they possessed on that side of the ball it was remarkable how inadequate the defense looked at times.

Before coming to Michigan, Shafer had credentials. He worked his way through a variety of Big Ten and Mid-American Conference programs on the usual career path a Midwestern coordinator might follow. He became known for aggressive defenses that scored high in sacks and turnovers. His Northern Illinois defense led the nation in interceptions during a 10-win season in 2003.

Once arriving in Ann Arbor though, he turned this defense into a complete and utter disaster.The defensive failures were well-documented. It was absolutely unbelievable how a team like Michigan who always prided itself on defense, suddenly couldn't stop a low ranking MAC team like Toledo.

The question now is was this a case of JUST a bad coordinator or is there a larger problem at hand with this team? Coach Rodriguez will get another chance to make this hire, but if he doesn't get this hire right, his days will be numbered.