Why Michigan football should find a DC who can run the current system

With the Sherrone Moore hire for Michigan football, the plan is to continue the trajectory of the team. Coming off of a national championship, not only is that smart in the short term, but it’s wise in the long term.

At the moment, Moore has elevated Kirk Campbell as offensive coordinator, which ensures that his vision will continue on that side of the ball. As far as we know, the plan will be to continue running things similarly on that side of the ball. Defensively, the Wolverines are apparently looking at Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who was on the Baltimore Ravens defensive staff under Wink Martindale — same as Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter.

But some say, at a school like Michigan, why not be afraid to change things up? Why not seek the best of the best? Take a shot at someone like Jim Leonhard, even though that would require schematic changes?

Despite being a blue blood, in recent years, Michigan has not recruited at the same level as the other elite schools in college football. That could change under Moore, assuredly, but the Wolverines are more likely to be ranked in the top 15-20 than they are in the top five. That’s where establishing and keeping a system is important.

Look no further to Iowa City, where the Hawkeyes have relied on longtime defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Despite having arguably the worst offense in the country the past several years, twice Iowa has managed to play in the Big Ten Championship Game. Sure, part of that is also playing in the weak Big Ten West, but it’s also a testament to the system working. Parker doesn’t need five-stars across the board as some other coaches in the sport do — he just needs to identify talent who can run his system. It works, and it’s consistent — even when the Hawkeyes have had and lost star players, like AJ Epenesa or Jack Campbell — even this year when Cooper DeJean was injured and unable to play. There’s little-to-no drop-off week-to-week,…