Kyle Whittingham has made a significant addition to his Michigan football staff with the hiring of defensive tackles coach Larry Black. This strategic move follows Lou Esposito's transition to the Baltimore Ravens, where he'll coach the same position under Jesse Minter.
Black arrives with an impressive resume, having served as the defensive line coach at Vanderbilt since 2022. His responsibilities expanded to include defensive run game coordinator, and he was recently promoted to co-defensive coordinator. On paper, Black’s credentials make him an excellent choice for Michigan.
Beyond his on-field expertise, Black's recruiting prowess is something for fans to be excited about. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, and having played at Indiana, he brings a strong Midwest connection. His experience coaching at Toledo for five years further enhances his ability to recruit in key Big Ten areas, crucial for Michigan's success.
Black has already hit the ground running, reportedly reaching out to 2027 defensive tackle prospect David Folorunsho. Though currently unranked, Folorunsho is attracting attention from top programs like Notre Dame, Indiana, Miami, and Georgia, signaling his rising stock.
Folorunsho recently shared his impressions of Black, noting his genuine approach and high-energy demeanor, which speaks volumes about his recruiting style.
Black’s Midwest ties will be invaluable for Michigan, especially since many of the new staff members are from the western U.S. and may not be as familiar with these crucial recruiting grounds. However, Black's influence isn't confined to the Midwest.
His tenure at Vanderbilt saw him recruit talent from Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia, among other states. Notably, he secured a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Daryl Campbell from Katy, Texas, for the 2026 class.
Even at a program like Vanderbilt, not known for elite recruiting, Black demonstrated an ability to identify and develop talent, contributing to the team's defensive improvements. Michigan hopes he will replicate this success in Ann Arbor.
In essence, Larry Black is poised to be a pivotal hire for Michigan, enhancing both on-field performance and recruiting efforts. His connections in the Midwest and the South offer Michigan a balanced recruiting strategy, essential for maintaining their national presence while solidifying their traditional recruiting strongholds.