Doug Nussmeier is the new offensive coordinator at Michigan. ( Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports)
Michigan coach Brady Hoke officially announced Thursday the hiring of Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Wolverines.
Nussmeier comes to Ann Arbor after spending the past two seasons in the same capacity at Alabama.
“Doug is a highly respected offensive coordinator and has earned a reputation as being a great mentor to quarterbacks, specifically, where he’s coached Pro Bowlers, top NFL draft choices and Heisman Trophy finalists,” Hoke said. “Doug has been successful at every coaching stop with his balanced and explosive offenses, and he brings national championship experience. He is an excellent addition to our coaching staff and football program.”
Hoke announced on Wednesday the firing of offensive coordinator Al Borges.
“I am extremely excited to join the University of Michigan and work with Brady Hoke, the staff and players,” Nussmeier said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished in two seasons at Alabama, and I owe a great deal to Coach Saban for that opportunity. Michigan is a program I’ve always had deep respect for, and I’m looking forward to getting started in Ann Arbor and being a part of the great tradition there.”
Nussmeier has been instrumental in the development of quarterbacks during his coaching career, mentoring Alabama’s AJ McCarron, Washington’s Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans) and Keith Price, Michigan State’s Drew Stanton and Jeff Smoker and the St. Louis Rams’ Marc Bulger.
Nussmeier spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons coordinating the offense and tutoring the quarterbacks in Tuscaloosa. During those two seasons, the Crimson Tide offense set school records in most offensive categories.
Alabama set records for rushing and passing touchdowns, total points scored and total offense during the 2012 national championship season. In addition, the Crimson Tide led the nation in pass efficiency. The 2012 campaign marked the first time in school history that Alabama rushed and passed for 3,000 yards each in a single season.
The Crimson Tide continued their offensive efficiency in 2013. Alabama was seventh nationally in pass efficiency and 17th in both scoring offense and third down percentage. The Tide averaged over 200 yards on the ground and through the air. McCarron was eighth in pass efficiency after leading the nation the previous year.
“Doug did an outstanding job for us during his time at the University of Alabama and I’m sure he will do a great job at the University of Michigan,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He is a bright coach who works hard and brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to work each and every day. Our production and balance the last two years has been very good and he also brought a lot to the table in terms of coaching the quarterbacks. AJ had one of the best seasons and careers of any quarterback here, and that says a lot when you look at the history and tradition of that position at Alabama.”
Michigan’s offense finished the season averaging 32.2 points per game (46th nationally), but only 373.5 yards per game (97th) and 5.44 yards per play (76th).
