Kerry Coombs to Michigan: Background, Coaching Career, and Why the Hire Matters
Kerry Coombs, one of America’s most energetic and respected football coaches, is back in the national spotlight in 2025 following a major coaching move that has shaken the college football world. Known for his fiery personality, elite recruiting skills, and deep Ohio coaching roots, Coombs is once again making headlines, this time as the new Special Teams Coordinator for the University of Michigan.
Michigan Hires Kerry Coombs as Special Teams Coordinator
In March 2025, the University of Michigan officially announced the hiring of Kerry Coombs as the program’s new Special Teams Coordinator, replacing JB Brown. The move is significant not just because of Coombs’ experience, but because he previously coached for Michigan’s biggest rival - Ohio State.
Why This Hiring Is Big News
- Kerry Coombs is a former Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (2020–2021)
- He served as cornerbacks coach and special teams coordinator at Cincinnati (2022–2024)
- He brings 42+ years of coaching experience
- He is a nationally recognized recruiter, multiple-time Big Ten Recruiter of the Year
- Michigan fans and rivals are reacting strongly across social media and sports forums
Kerry Coombs’ own reaction on X (formerly Twitter) went viral, posting:
“Who knew in 1997 that one day I would be able to coach in the Big House instead of being there as a fan! #GoBlue”
Who Is Kerry Coombs?
Kerry Coombs (born September 9, 1961) is an American football coach known for:
- High-energy sideline presence
- Developing elite defensive backs
- Being one of the best recruiters in the Midwest
- Successful coaching stints in both college football and the NFL
He has coached at:
- University of Michigan (2025– ) – Special Teams Coordinator
- University of Cincinnati (2022–2024) – Special Teams & Cornerbacks Coach
- Ohio State University (2012–2017, 2020–2021)
- Tennessee Titans (NFL) – Secondary Coach, 2018–2019
- Colerain High School (Legendary Cincinnati HS coach)
Kerry Coombs Coaching Career Timeline
Early Coaching Years
Kerry Coombs made his name early as the head coach at Colerain High School, where he became a Cincinnati legend by building one of the most dominant programs in Ohio high school football.
Rise at Ohio State (2012–2017)
- Served as defensive backs coach
- Developed multiple first-round NFL defensive backs
- Became known for the “BIA” culture - Best in America
NFL Coaching Experience (2018–2019)
- Joined the Tennessee Titans as the secondary coach
- Helped develop a physical, disciplined defensive back unit
Return to Ohio State as Defensive Coordinator (2020–2021)
- Promoted to DC
- Oversaw defense during the COVID and post-COVID seasons
- Later reassigned from play-calling duties mid-season (2021)
Cincinnati Bearcats (2022–2024)
- Special Teams Coordinator & Cornerbacks Coach
- Played a key role in Big 12 transition
- Reasserted himself as one of the Midwest's strongest recruiters
Michigan Wolverines (2025– )
- Newly appointed Special Teams Coordinator
- Expected to boost Michigan’s recruiting + discipline in the kicking game
- One of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 offseason
Why Kerry Coombs Is One of College Football’s Top Recruiters
Kerry Coombs has been named:
- Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year (2017)
- Big Ten Recruiter of the Year (three times)
His strengths include:
- Deep relationships in Ohio and Midwest high schools
- High-energy personality that resonates with players
- Proven track record of sending defensive backs to the NFL
This is a major reason Michigan aggressively pursued him in 2025.
Kerry Coombs Age, Family, and Personal Life
- Age: 64 (Born September 9, 1961)
- Hometown: Colerain Township, Ohio
- Spouse: Holly Coombs
- Children: Brayden, Cortney, Dylan
- Grandchildren: Harper Shay, Kendall James, Cameron Harold
- Education: Colerain High School (1979)
Kerry Coombs remains deeply connected to Cincinnati and frequently posts about family, football, and Midwest sports culture.
Where Is Kerry Coombs Now?
Kerry Coombs is currently:
- Special Teams Coordinator at the University of Michigan
- Actively recruiting in Ohio, Indiana, and across the Midwest
- Expected to be a major strategic asset for Michigan heading into the 2025 season
Kerry Coombs on Social Media
He is very active on X (Twitter):
@DB_CoachCoombs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Kerry Coombs go in 2025?
- Kerry Coombs joined Michigan as Special Teams Coordinator.
What teams has Kerry Coombs coached?
- Ohio State, Michigan, Cincinnati, Tennessee Titans, and Colerain HS.
Is Kerry Coombs a good recruiter?
- Yes, Kerry Coombs is considered one of the best recruiters in the Midwest.
Did he coach in the NFL?
- Yes, he coached the Tennessee Titans (2018–2019).
Thoughts?
Kerry Coombs continues to be one of the most dynamic, respected, and influential coaches in American football. His 2025 move to the Michigan Wolverines marks a major storyline in college football, bringing his decades of experience, trademark energy, and elite recruiting skills to Ann Arbor.
As the new Special Teams Coordinator, all eyes will be on how Coombs elevates Michigan’s special teams unit and shapes the next generation of Wolverine recruits.
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.

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