Jay Hill is on the move.
Michigan has announced its hiring of Hill to be the program’s new defensive coordinator, bringing an end to the 50-year-old’s successful 3-year tenure in the same position at BYU.
The news was first reported Thursday by Pete Thamel of ESPN.
Hill is now reunited with new Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham, who he both played and coached under for 15 combined seasons at the University of Utah.
“Jay Hill is a great leader and one of the sharpest defensive minds in the game,” Whittingham said in a statement. “His competitive nature and commitment to excellence will help us forge a disciplined, tough defense that prides itself on physicality. Jay has the ability to consistently put players in the best position to succeed and make plays.
“We’re excited to welcome Jay and his family to Ann Arbor, and we are confident they’ll be a tremendous addition to our Michigan Football family.”
Since arriving at BYU following the 2022 campaign, Hill transformed the Cougar defense from one of the worst units in the country into one of the best, ranking first within the Big 12 in scoring defense (19.4 points per game) over the past two seasons.
In 2024, BYU led the country in interceptions with 22, and in 2025 the Cougars racked up their highest sack total (30) since 2016.
Prior to his time at BYU, Hill was Weber State’s head coach from 2014-22, going 68-39 with the Wildcats and winning four Big Sky Conference championships.
“It is an absolute honor for me and my family to join the Michigan Wolverines,” Hill said in a statement. “We are so excited to join Coach Whittingham, his staff and look forward to building relationships with these great players.
“The Michigan program is deep with history and tradition that I look forward to honoring. The opportunity to develop great young men on and off the field and ultimately win championships at Michigan is something we are dedicated to do. I can’t wait to get started. Go Blue!”
Under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale this past season, Michigan allowed averages of 312.3 yards and 18.7 points per game. The Wolverines fell 41-27 to Texas in Wednesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
With Hill’s departure, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake will now look to fill the newly-vacated defensive coordinator position and retain current Cougar defensive players and coaches.
