Report: Tyrone Wheatley Close To Leaving Michigan Wolverines Coaching Staff


Michigan running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley is reportedly close to joining the Jacksonville Jaguars staff after two seasons with the Wolverines. 


Jim Harbaugh’s staff had already seen some turnover thanks to Jedd Fisch’s decision to become UCLA’s new offensive coordinator and leave the Michigan passing game behind.

Now, the Wolverines could see changes to their ground game.

Michigan running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley is reportedly close to joining new head coach Doug Marrone’s staff with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the same role, according to Sporting News’ Alex Marvez. It had previously been reported that Wheatley was a finalist for Western Michigan’s head coaching vacancy, which has since been filled by Tim Lester.

This would not be Wheatley’s first stint as an NFL coach. Prior to his time in Ann Arbor, he spent two seasons coaching running backs for the Buffalo Bills under Marrone, who brought Wheatley with him to Buffalo after they worked together at Syracuse, where Wheatley also coached the halfbacks.

This past season, Michigan ranked No. 33 in rushing offense, averaging 212.9 yards per game. Senior tailback De’Veon Smith was the team’s leading rusher with 846 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

At this time, it is unclear whom Harbaugh would target to fill Wheatley’s shoes.

It may be a coincidence, but if Wheatley were to officially accept the role in Jacksonville, it would come on the heels of 5-star running back Najee Harris’ decision to play for Alabama instead of the Wolverines. Harris stated his decision would be based on his relationship with the coaches, and it could be that Wheatley’s impending departure made the move to Tuscaloosa a whole lot easier.

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