Today, the Detroit Free Press reported that Mike Hart, Michigan's all-time rushing leader, will be joining as an on-field coach at Eastern Michigan University. Mike Hart has routinely expressed interest in coaching after his playing days, and when he was released by the Indianapolis Colts following the NFL Lockout's end, coaching at the collegiate level seemed to be a very real option.
Ron English, head coach of Eastern Michigan University, was formerly the secondary coach and defensive coordinator at Michigan from 2004-2007. So both coaches have a clear connection not only to each other, but to Michigan.
Though Hart is not taking the most important coaching role with the Eagles, he was officially announced as a "offensive quality control assistant," this is clearly a first step in developing a player into a coach. I would assume that as Hart progresses, he will gain more control over the offense, and specifically the running back position. In fact, the Detroit News has already reported that English stated that "even though he's a quality control coach, technically, legally he's been out coaching with assistant coach Doug Downing with the running backs."
Mike Hart seems excited about the position and was quoted by the Detroit News as saying that he was "committed to Coach E" and "moving on to the next chapter of [his] life."
Though there is still much to be seen, I can't help but noticing that Mike Hart's Twitter still has a picture of the Big House in the background. I don't think it's too speculative to see Mike Hart on the sidelines for Michigan again in the future.
Photo Credit - The Detroit News & John T. Greilick
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