ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Some coaches are disciplinarians, yellers, working to get the most out of their players through negative motivation. Some are quieter tacticians, more so focused on scheme and using their players as chess pieces. And then there are the ‘players coaches,’ who more so utilize input from their personnel, while building strong bonds.
As it sounds in fall camp, Michigan football offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey may be a mix of the latter two.
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Fans don’t get to see the inner workings of football programs, but there can be love for any of the three. However, one thing is for sure with Lindsey, his players absolutely trust and love him for who he is, and even when he doesn’t relate to his playmakers, they still find ways to relate to that.
“Everybody loves him. I mean, he’s a little Southern Tang, and when he talks, it’s funny,” sophomore running back Jordan Marshall said. “We’ve got guys that will say stuff, and it’s just funny hearing him talk sometimes and things he says — is that that play or that play? What is he talking about?
“He’ll play some country music and try to get everybody to sing along. It’s always a blast with him, but I think the players have really connected with him and the relationships he’s had and connecting with players.”
That’s one aspect, but there’s also a trust component.
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Not only do the Wolverines‘ offensive players know that Lindsey has their back, but they understand that he’s going to put them each in the best position to succeed. Knowing that, while feeling like he has their best interest at heart, it could pay huge dividends for the maize and blue this fall.
“They know that he came from UNC and he had a great quarterback, great receivers, great running backs, so they know what he can do and how he can make sure that everybody’s tools and how they play is out there on the film,” Marshall said. “He’s excited because he hasn’t been on a team that’s this physical, and this team is physical across the board.
“Just to have him, somebody that is about relationships, about getting to know the players, not just on the field, but you can go down and sit in his office and just talk to him. Ever since he’s been here, I’ve loved being around him, loved getting to know him. Again, he’s a funny dude.”
Fans will get an opportunity to see the new-look Wolverines offense on August 30, when Michigan football hosts New Mexico for the 2025 season opener at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan’s Chip Lindsey wins players’ trust with humor, heart
