Michigan football has officially announced the hiring of Lou Esposito as its defensive line coach, a confirmation made by Sherrone Moore and the program on Friday evening. This development aligns with our earlier report from U-M sources that was published earlier in the day.
Expressing his anticipation for Esposito’s addition, Moore stated, “I am excited to welcome Lou to our Michigan Football family and look forward to having his leadership and experience directing our defensive linemen. Lou is a great defensive mind that has developed outstanding players and produced top units at the line of scrimmage throughout his coaching career. He will be a great asset and mentor for the young men in our program.”
Esposito’s background, as outlined by the Michigan football program, includes 21 years of collegiate coaching experience. He recently joined the University of Memphis as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach during this offseason after spending the previous 14 seasons coaching in Michigan. Notably, Esposito served as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Western Michigan for seven seasons (2017-23), overseeing the development of players in various positions.
During his tenure at Western Michigan, Esposito played a pivotal role in the success of the team’s defense, helping numerous players earn All-MAC honors and contributing to the achievements of standout performers such as future NFL players. His coaching prowess extended to mentoring all-conference performers in defensive linemen and guiding the team to multiple accolades and recognitions.
Esposito’s extensive coaching experience and track record of developing talent position him as a valuable addition to the Michigan football coaching staff. With his leadership, the Wolverines’ defensive line is poised for continued success as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Esposito made significant strides in enhancing the defensive performance, particularly in the trenches, during his tenure. Before Esposito’s arrival, the Broncos averaged 2.0 sacks per game, but under his guidance, they achieved an average of at least 2.3 sacks per game in five of his last six seasons, reaching 3.34 sacks per game in 2021, ranking fourth nationally. Additionally, he elevated the defense’s TFL (tackles for loss) production from ranking 81st in the country before his arrival to fifth in 2020, with an average of 5.08 TFL per game. The Broncos finished in the top 35 nationally in this category in five of the last six seasons. Notably, the 2019 Broncos’ defense showcased four players with at least 4.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss, with six total defenders recording 60-plus tackles.
During his tenure, the Broncos participated in four bowl games, including the 2011 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 2019 First Responder Bowl, and 2021 Quick Lane Bowl.
Before joining Western Michigan, Esposito served as the inaugural head coach at Davenport University from 2014 to 2016. There, he successfully recruited over 125 student-athletes within two years to establish the program and spearheaded a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign for a football facility. Under his leadership, Davenport achieved a 6-5 record during its inaugural season in 2016.
Esposito also served as the defensive coordinator at Ferris State University in 2013, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Bulldogs to top rankings in various defensive categories. His coaching prowess contributed to the development of NFL talents such as linebacker Brady Sheldon and defensive tackle Justin Zimmer, both of whom achieved significant success in their professional careers after earning All-American honors under Esposito’s guidance.
In his initial stint in Kalamazoo, Esposito coached the defensive line for the Broncos from 2010 to 2012, mentoring standout players like Drew Nowak, who was named the 2011 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and went on to earn All-American honors.
Before his tenure at Western Michigan, Esposito spent six years at Division II Saint Joseph’s College, where he served as the defensive coordinator in 2004 before assuming head coaching duties from 2005 to 2009. He garnered recognition as the Great Lakes Football Conference (GLFC) Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2009, leading the program to two league titles and achieving a remarkable 100 percent graduation rate for four-year athletes during his tenure.
Esposito mentored 23 All-GLFC student-athletes in 2009 while leading the team to first-place rankings in both rushing offense and defense. The Pumas boasted the top-ranked red zone offense in the GLFC, had the 2009 GLFC Offensive Player of the Year, and maintained an undefeated record in league action.
During his college years, Esposito was a four-year letterman on the offensive line at the University of Memphis, where he served as team captain in 1999 and 2000. He earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Memphis in 2002.
In 2001, Esposito signed a professional contract with the Arena Football League’s Memphis Xplorers. A year later, he transitioned to coaching, serving as the offensive and defensive line coach and special teams coordinator during the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Esposito, along with his wife Brooke, has four children: Louis J. Esposito IV, Emilia Rose, Anthony, and Mason.
Following Greg Scruggs’ departure, U-M coach Sherrone Moore selected Esposito as his top choice for the defensive line coach position. Esposito is set to lead a Michigan defensive line anticipated to be among the best in college football, featuring standout tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, both recognized as top-10 returning interior defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus. Esposito’s arrival adds depth and expertise to a Wolverines program that has commenced spring practice and is eager to showcase its talents during the upcoming spring game at Michigan Stadium on April 20.
