Michigan Wolverines hire former NFL standout player to help coach important defensive position

A former fifth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, McPhee carved out a decade-long NFL career despite his low draft status. An explosive and powerful rusher, McPhee had 260 career tackles and 38 sacks while playing for the Ravens, Washington Redskins, and Chicago Bears from 2011-2021. 

Now, McPhee will be in charge of coaching a pivotal position for the Wolverines and guiding their pass rush. This is a spot that is undergoing a bit of turmoil but returns plenty of talent in what should be a position of strength for Michigan next season. 

Elite talent Josaiah Stewart declared for the NFL Draft, taking with him nine sacks and 28 defensive stops from this season. 

However, Derrick Moore, TJ Guy, and Cameron Brandt return for 2025, bringing back 76 pressures and 12 sacks. Additionally, inside linebacker Jaishawn Barham is reportedly moving over to outside linebacker as well, a position he played with the Maryland Terrapins before his time in Ann Arbor.

This might be the most intriguing addition to the room. With Maryland, Barham racked up 41 pressures and seven sacks in his career there. He is an explosive, physical rusher whose talents might be best served rushing the passer moving forward. 

McPhee will have a pretty strong unit under his wing for his first season in this role. I believe this will be the best position group Michigan will have for the 2025 season. Suppose McPhee can impart some of his experience and wisdom gained from his time in the NFL to this unit. In that case, they can be even better than I imagine they'd be and carry the Wolverines forward after numerous departures from 2024.