The University of Michigan’s football program has recently appointed Chip Lindsey as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, a decision that comes with high praise from notable NFL quarterbacks.
Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, personally endorsed Lindsey to Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore. Maye emphasized that his development under Lindsey at the University of North Carolina was pivotal in his collegiate success and subsequent high draft selection.
Lindsey’s coaching career spans over two decades, with a trajectory that includes significant roles at various institutions. Before his tenure at North Carolina, he served as the offensive coordinator at UCF, Auburn, Arizona State, and Southern Miss. His head coaching stint at Troy University from 2019 to 2021 further solidified his reputation in collegiate football.
At North Carolina, Lindsey’s impact was evident. In the 2023 season, under his guidance, the Tar Heels boasted the nation’s seventh-ranked offense. Quarterback Drake Maye flourished, amassing 3,608 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, complemented by 449 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Maye attributed a significant portion of his development to Lindsey’s mentorship, noting that his progression during their collaboration was unparalleled in his career.
Another testament to Lindsey’s coaching prowess is his work with Jarrett Stidham at Auburn. Stidham, who later advanced to the NFL, benefited from Lindsey’s offensive strategies and quarterback development techniques during their time together.
Michigan’s decision to bring Lindsey on board aligns with the program’s aspirations to revitalize its offense. The 2024 season saw the Wolverines facing challenges, particularly in their passing game, where they ranked 129th nationally. The team utilized three different starting quarterbacks throughout the season, underscoring the need for stability and enhanced performance in that position.
Looking ahead, Michigan’s quarterback roster is promising. The acquisition of five-star recruit Bryce Underwood, who flipped his commitment from LSU, has generated excitement. Additionally, the Wolverines secured a commitment from veteran quarterback Mikey Keene, a transfer from Fresno State. Keene’s prior experience with Lindsey at UCF in 2022, where he completed 70.5% of his passes for 2,892 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2024, adds a layer of familiarity and potential synergy to Michigan’s offense.
Lindsey’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced offensive approach. At North Carolina, his offense averaged over 30 points and 400 yards per game. Notably, the Tar Heels led the ACC in rushing offense in 2024, averaging 189.5 yards per game, with running back Omarion Hampton earning All-American honors. This balance between a potent passing attack and a strong running game is anticipated to align well with Michigan’s traditional emphasis on a robust ground game.
Head coach Sherrone Moore’s decision to hire Lindsey was significantly influenced by endorsements from players like Drake Maye. Moore noted that Maye felt his progression under Lindsey was instrumental in achieving a high draft position. Such testimonials underscore Lindsey’s ability to develop quarterback talent effectively.
As Lindsey integrates into the Michigan coaching staff, his initial focus has been on building relationships with players and understanding their individual strengths and areas for improvement. Senior quarterback Davis Warren remarked on Lindsey’s approach, highlighting his commitment to learning about the players both as individuals and athletes. Warren also noted that even in the early stages, Lindsey has contributed to his development, indicating a positive trajectory for the team’s offensive future.
In summary, Chip Lindsey’s appointment as Michigan’s offensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. With endorsements from players like Drake Maye and a coaching philosophy that emphasizes offensive balance, Lindsey is poised to make a significant impact on the Wolverines’ offense in the upcoming seasons.
