Just hours after BYU wrapped up a solid win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the focus quickly shifted from the field to the future of defensive coordinator Jay Hill - and not in Provo.
Reports began circulating that Hill is on the verge of joining Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan, potentially reuniting with longtime colleague Kyle Whittingham. While head coach Kalani Sitake didn’t confirm the move outright during his postgame press conference, he also didn’t deny it - instead deferring to Hill to make any formal announcement himself. That non-answer spoke volumes.
Then came word out of Michigan that the Wolverines are “very, very” close to finalizing a deal to bring Hill aboard, likely in the same defensive coordinator role he’s held at BYU.
Now, this wouldn’t be just another coaching shuffle. Hill has deep ties to Whittingham, dating back to their days at Utah.
From 2001 to 2013, Hill worked under both Urban Meyer and Whittingham in Salt Lake City, helping lay the foundation for what became one of the most respected defensive programs in the country. After that, he took over at Weber State and rewrote the record books - 68 wins over nine seasons, the most in school history.
When Hill arrived at BYU in 2023, the impact was immediate. He didn’t just tweak the defense - he transformed it.
The Cougars went from a unit with question marks to one of the most reliable defenses in the Big 12. They finished fourth in the conference in scoring defense, giving up just 19 points per game.
That’s not just solid - that’s a tone-setting, game-shaping performance week in and week out.
Dig a little deeper into the numbers, and it’s clear how balanced BYU’s defense became under Hill. They ranked third in both total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed per game, and seventh against the pass. That kind of consistency across the board is rare, especially in a conference known for high-octane offenses and wide-open play.
Hill’s defenses weren’t just statistically sound - they played with an edge. Physical at the line of scrimmage, disciplined in coverage, and opportunistic when it mattered most. That identity mirrored Hill’s coaching style: tough, smart, and relentless.
If this move to Michigan goes through, it’s a significant pickup for the Wolverines and a big loss for BYU. Hill brings not only a proven defensive mind but also a deep understanding of how to build and sustain a culture of toughness on that side of the ball. For BYU, it would mark the end of a short but impactful chapter - one that helped establish the Cougars as a defensive force in their first seasons in the Big 12.
And for Hill, it could be the next step in a coaching journey that’s already seen success at nearly every level. Whether it’s official tomorrow or next week, the writing’s on the wall: Jay Hill might be heading back to the Big Ten spotlight.