Michigan Wolverines

Jim Harbaugh had a simple goal in hiring his new defensive coordinator

Published Dec. 22, 2015 10:49 p.m. ET

foxsports

Why is Don Brown Michigan's new defensive coordinator?

Jim Harbaugh told WXYZ-TV in Detroit he wanted to find someone better than D.J. Durkin, the team's defensive coordinator in 2015 who will be Maryland's head coach in 2016.

Which coach is truly better (and how to define that) might be up for debate, but statistically the nod goes to Brown's unit at Boston College this past season.

The Golden Eagles edged the Wolverines in total yards allowed per game (254.3 to 281.3), and in scoring (15.3 to 17.2).

Boston College was No. 1 and No. 4, respectively, in those categories while Michigan ranked fourth and 11th.

They will both face new challenges next season as Brown moves to the Big Ten from the ACC and Durkin finds out the difference between the rosters in Ann Arbor and College Park, Md.

"We have a tremendous opportunity in Don Brown of accomplishing that goal.
No disrespect to Coach Durkin because he's a fabulous coach, but hey, that's the goal."