In a significant move for the University of Michigan football program, head coach Kyle Whittingham has announced the hiring of Larry Black as the new defensive tackle coach. Black brings a wealth of experience to the Wolverines, having spent 12 years in collegiate coaching, with a strong focus on the defensive line.
Black's recent tenure at Vanderbilt showcased his ability to elevate a defensive unit. Over four seasons, he not only honed the skills of young players but also took on the role of defensive run game coordinator in 2025.
Under his leadership, Vanderbilt's defense ranked 18th nationally, allowing just 108.2 rushing yards per game. This marked a significant improvement from his first season in 2022, where the team ranked 10th in the SEC for run defense, climbing to sixth by his final year.
His strategic approach led to impressive individual performances, with players like Nate Clifton achieving 5.5 sacks in 2023. The 2024 season saw three linemen each record 5.0 or more tackles for loss, and in 2025, four players posted at least 6.0 TFLs, highlighted by Miles Capers' 9.5 and Khordae Sydnor's 8.5.
Black's coaching journey has deep roots in the Midwest, including a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals as part of the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship in 2021. Before Vanderbilt, he made a significant impact at Toledo, where he helped the Rockets' defense rise from 10th to top-four in the MAC for run defense and top-five in tackles for loss during his three-year tenure.
His early coaching years included developing future NFL talents at Notre Dame and Toledo, working with standout players such as Daelin Hayes and Treyvon Hester. Black's own playing days as a defensive tackle at Indiana saw him amass 127 tackles over 48 games, before starting his coaching career at Carthage College in Wisconsin.
With Black's proven track record of developing defensive talent and improving team performance, Michigan fans have reason to be optimistic about the future of their defensive line. His blend of experience and skill development will be a valuable asset as the Wolverines aim to strengthen their defensive front.