For some of you that don't know me I am currently in Mesa, AZ and will begin my trek across this great country of ours very soon. Today will be my last Blog for a while till i make it back home. My journey will take me through many different football states. I will travel through Sun Devil country (PAC 10) through Sooner country (Big 12) also through mizzou country (Big 12) back into Big 10 country into Illinois on back to the great state of MICHIGAN. What i am going to discuss with you is the defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Alot of you probably don't know much info on this man, so I am going to try to give you a little insight. Greg Mattison was born on Nov 15, 1949 when they rode dinosaurs,LOL!! naa just kidding! Alot of you know that he was the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens and was the Co-Def coordinator for the Florida Gators for 3 years including the year they won the National championship in 2006 under Urban Meyer. While Greg Mattison was defensive coordinator for the Ravens he coached a 3-4 defense that sometimes switches to a 4-3 formation. That is usually accomplished by having an outside linebacker move up and play defensive end. This assignment on the field is referred to as the "Joker" position. When Mattison introduces this scheme to Michigan I think you will our defense improve over night. I love this defense of scheme.When he was defensive coordinator for the Ravens he coached a 3-4 base defense . Prior to his time at Florida, Mattison coached at University of Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator under Bob Davie until the Ty Willingham era (during which he served as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator). Prior to his time at Notre Dame, Mattison coached the defensive line at the University of Michigan from 1992 to 1996, while also serving at the defensive coordinator in 1995 and 1996. During his time at Michigan, the Wolverines led the Big Ten Conference in rushing defense four consecutive seasons, holding opponents to 78.6 rushing yards per game in 1992, 87.9 in 1994, and 88.1 in 1995. Mattison also led the conference in total defense twice and scoring defense once. Mattison coached with Davie at Texas A&M University from 1988 to 1991 while Davie was defensive coordinator. Under head coach R. C. Slocum, the Aggies featured the "Wrecking Crew", a nickname for one of the nation's top-ranked defenses.
Mattison was a finalist for the head coaching job at Western Michigan University following the 2004 season, a job that eventually went to Bill Cubit. Mattison had served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Jack Harbaugh at Western Michigan from 1981 to 1986. During his time at WMU, Mattison coached alongside John Harbaugh, who was a graduate assistant and assistant coach. Harbaugh, now the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, hired Mattison to coach the Ravens linebackers. The job was Mattison's first NFL coaching position in 37 years of coaching football. On January 26, 2009, Mattison was named the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens; he is the successor of former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
On January 18, 2011, the Ravens announced that Mattison had accepted the defensive coordinator position at the University of Michigan. Returning to Michigan, Mattison reunites with Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, who is a close friend of Mattison's and was the Wolverines' defensive ends coach during Mattison's previous stint as defensive coordinator at Michigan. His contract at Michigan makes him among the highest paid college football assistant coaches in the country. Now I personally feel Mattison brings alot of positive influence to the Wolverines as we all know how their defense was under Rich Rod. If my mind serves me correct he had the 109th worst defense along with a top 10 offense. Hmmmm that isn's good in my eyes! I think we are going to see a definite change in the defense right off the whistle. The young men that started last year are 1 year older, more mature, and have a great coach to help them "Evolve" into a defensive machine. I have always been a defensive minded person as I am a believer that defense wins you games! Can we all sit back and think about last years season? We were able to squeeze out 7 wins with a horrible defense. Just close your eyes and think of how many games we could have won if we had a mediocre defense...say a top 25 defense along with the offense we had. Makes you think doesn't it. I have been paying close attention to the new people coming in and the commitments we are getting and it looks so promising. There is no doubt that Michigan football will be back where it belongs. I am really looking forward to the game against Alabama next year in Dallas. All of our young men will be Seniors and should be an interesting game. I could go much more in depth, but as I am crunched for time, maybe next time. Please let me know if you would like for me to elaborate on the defense scheme and techniques he will be using at Michigan, what his main concerns are and what he plans on doing. If you have Questions or concerns feel free to email me at No1repoman@bex.net
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