In some pretty darn random news around the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have reportedly hired former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke to be their new defensive line coach.
“Brady Hoke, who helped recruit quarterback Tom Brady to the University of Michigan, will become the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers,” ESPN’s David Newton reported on Monday.
Hoke, 59, served as the Michigan head football coach from 2011-14, posting a 31-20 record with three Bowl appearances. Prior to that, he manned the sideline as the head coach for both San Diego State and Ball State.
This marks Hoke’s first ever job in the NFL. He had previously spent 36 years as a head coach or assistant in the college ranks. He does have experience as a defensive line coach, serving in that capacity with Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Oregon State and Michigan.
Hoke will now take over a defensive line that helped Carolina record the third-most sacks in the NFL last season. He replaces Eric Washington, who was just promoted to defensive coordinator, as the team’s defensive line coach.