BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Hits Crisler Center as former Michigan Wolverines legend desmond howard returnes to his former team as a senior coaching….see more

In one of the most thrilling announcements of the college football offseason, the University of Michigan has confirmed that Desmond Howard, Heisman Trophy winner and Wolverines icon, is officially returning to his alma mater to serve as a Senior Coaching Advisor to the Michigan football program.

The announcement was made early Thursday morning during a special press conference held inside the historic **Crisler Center**, which was transformed into a sea of maize and blue for the occasion. A raucous round of applause erupted as Howard, clad in a tailored navy suit and Michigan tie, stepped onto the stage alongside Head Coach Sherrone Moore and Athletic Director Warde Manuel.A Homecoming 30 Years in the Making

Desmond Howard is no stranger to Michigan fans—or college football history. Widely known for his electric playmaking ability, iconic Heisman pose, and decorated NFL career, Howard’s return to the Wolverines program marks a powerful full-circle moment.

> “This place made me who I am,” Howard said, visibly emotional. “I’ve always said I bleed maize and blue. Now, I’m back where I belong—not just as a supporter, but as a mentor, a coach, and someone who’s here to help build the future of Michigan football.”

The new role of **Senior Coaching Advisor** will see Howard working closely with wide receivers, special teams, and the program’s leadership development initiatives. According to Coach Moore, the position was tailor-made to leverage Howard’s unique experience and legendary status within the sport.

### **Desmond’s Role: More Than Just Coaching**

Unlike a traditional positional coach, Howard’s duties will span multiple areas of the program. Sources close to the athletic department say he will:

* Mentor young receivers and return specialists
* Provide input on game-planning and film study
* Lead off-the-field sessions focused on leadership, media presence, and mental toughness
* Serve as a liaison between alumni and current players

Head Coach Sherrone Moore was enthusiastic about the impact Howard will bring:

> “Desmond Howard is one of the most respected voices in college football. His understanding of the game, media, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level is second to none. For our players to learn from him—on and off the field—is a game-changer.”

Howard will begin his duties immediately, joining the team during fall camp and attending key practices leading into the Wolverines’ highly anticipated Week 1 showdown against Texas.

### **A Spark for the Offense and Special Teams**

While Michigan’s offense has made strides in recent seasons, the addition of Howard may serve as a catalyst to take the passing and return games to the next level. During his college career from 1989 to 1991, Howard was one of the most explosive athletes in the nation, finishing his junior season with 985 receiving yards, 138 points scored, and 2 iconic return touchdowns.

Wolverines offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell welcomed the move:

> “We’ve got young, fast, talented wideouts—guys like Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore—who grew up watching Desmond’s highlights on YouTube. To now learn under him in person? That’s going to elevate their game and their confidence.”

Special Teams Coach Jay Harbaugh added, “Howard’s knowledge of return strategy is elite. His fingerprints will be all over how we attack the return game this year.”

### **The Player Reaction: “Unreal”**

Several current Wolverines players took to social media within minutes of the announcement. Sophomore wide receiver Fredrick Moore posted on Instagram:

> “No way… DESMOND HOWARD IS COACHING US?! Unreal. Time to LEVEL UP 💪🏽〽️”

Quarterback Alex Orji called it “legendary energy” and said he’s “ready to absorb everything Desmond has to offer.”

Coach Moore revealed that he first approached Howard about the position in early June, after several internal discussions about expanding the program’s mentorship and alumni engagement initiatives.

> “We’re building something bigger than football here,” Moore said. “Desmond understands that. He brings wisdom, fire, and Michigan DNA to the table.”

### **A Legend’s Resume**

Howard’s legacy at Michigan is as iconic as the winged helmet itself. During his time in Ann Arbor, he won:

* The **1991 Heisman Trophy**
* The **Walter Camp Award**
* The **Maxwell Award**
* The **Big Ten MVP**
* And unanimous All-American honors

His signature moment—striking the Heisman pose in the end zone after a punt return touchdown against Ohio State—remains one of the most replayed clips in college football history.

After his college career, Howard played 11 seasons in the NFL, earning a Super Bowl MVP with the Green Bay Packers in 1997. Following his retirement, he became a respected analyst for ESPN’s *College GameDay*, where he developed a reputation for sharp insight and unwavering pride in Michigan football.

Though Howard will be stepping back from his regular GameDay appearances, he confirmed he would continue to work with ESPN on select features and segments throughout the season.

### **Fan Reaction: Maize & Blue Madness**

The excitement in Ann Arbor is hard to overstate. Within hours of the announcement, Michigan’s official team store reported a 300% spike in merchandise sales featuring Howard’s No. 21 jersey. Fans flooded Twitter (X) with memes, throwback highlights, and videos of his famous Heisman pose.

Longtime Michigan supporter and radio host **Sam Webb** called the move “an emotional and strategic masterstroke.”

> “This isn’t just about nostalgia,” Webb said on WTKA 1050 AM. “Desmond Howard knows what greatness looks like. His presence will challenge this team to expect more from themselves—and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an immediate on-field impact.”

The University has already announced a **”Desmond Howard Appreciation Game”** for Week 2 against Washington, where he’ll be honored at halftime and lead the team out of the tunnel alongside Coach Moore.

### **The Big Picture: Michigan Reloads for 2025**

Following the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL earlier this year, some speculated whether the Wolverines could sustain the high level of play that brought back-to-back Big Ten titles and a national championship appearance in 2023. But under Sherrone Moore’s leadership—and now with Howard’s influence—the Wolverines appear fully reloaded and as dangerous as ever.

Warde Manuel concluded the press conference with a message to Michigan faithful:

> “This isn’t just about bringing home a legend. This is about the future. With Desmond on board, we’re not just aiming for another Big Ten title—we’re building a dynasty.”

### **Desmond’s Final Words: “Let’s Finish What We Started”**

As the press conference wrapped, Howard turned to the players in attendance and spoke from the heart:

> “When I left here in 1991, I left a piece of my soul in the Big House. I’ve been waiting to come back—not as a guest,