A strategic overhaul
Michigan’s special teams struggled throughout the 2025 season, ranking near the bottom of Division I for punt returns, kick returns and net punt yards per attempt. The coaching staff identified the third phase of the game as a decisive factor and set out to reshape it.
Under new coordinators Kerry Coombs and Kyle Whittingham, the unit is adopting a philosophy that lets star players step onto the field for returns if they choose, turning the role into a voluntary commitment rather than a mandatory duty.
Whittingham, who previously led special teams at Utah, emphasizes that the unit’s performance can swing the momentum of any game, and the Wolverines are counting on that insight to lift their standing.
Among the newcomers, Trey Butkowski, a former Lou Groza semifinalist from Pittsburgh, brings a reliable field‑goal background and an 86.3% conversion rate, while Nico Crawford will battle Gavin Magorien for the long‑snapper slot.
Cam Brown, a sophomore who transferred from UNLV, is slated to start as the primary punt returner, having posted notable long returns and fair‑catch efficiency during his previous season.
Andrew Marsh, projected as the team’s top wide receiver, may also contribute a handful of punt returns each game, adding another layer of versatility to the lineup.
The staff plans to keep a core of six players while allowing additional starters to join the return units when they feel it benefits the team, a strategy that reflects the coaches’ emphasis on player choice and game‑changing moments.
Head coach support and a clear message that special teams are integral to winning have helped secure buy‑in from the roster, signaling a cultural shift that could translate into tangible yardage gains.