Jim Harbaugh dipped into the NFL ranks for a new defensive coordinator, then went back for another.
Michigan has hired Cowboys defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist as its co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach, the school announced Wednesday. Linguist will work alongside former Ravens linebackers coach Mike Macdonald, Harbaugh's first DC hire last week.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Linguist coached cornerbacks at Texas A&M from 2018-19, defensive backs at Minnesota in 2017 and safeties at Mississippi State in 2016. Dallas ranked 11th in the NFL in total passing defense this season.
“I have always had an appreciation and an admiration for Coach Harbaugh and his accomplishments at the University of Michigan," Linguist said Wednesday in an official statement. "Michigan is full of college football's best traditions, and I cannot wait to get started."
Michigan also hired Maryland special teams coordinator/linebackers coach George Helow as its safeties coach on Wednesday, and reached a contract extension with current defensive line coach Shaun Nua.
"Maurice and George are outstanding additions to our defensive coaching staff,” Harbaugh said in the statement. “They are highly regarded and well-respected coaches who have worked with some of the top defensive minds in college football. Their experience at some of the top programs in the country will benefit our team and student-athletes."