UM tabs ex-Syracuse coach Robinson as defensive coordinator

1/20/2009

Former Syracuse coach Greg Robinson was named Michigan's defensive coordinator Tuesday.

Robinson held the same position in the NFL for 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets before becoming the co-defensive coordinator at the University of Texas in 2004. The next year he took over Syracuse's program and remained there until he was dismissed after the 2008 season.

Robinson replaces Scott Shafer, who resigned from UM coach Rich Rodriguez's staff in December and is now the defensive coordinator at none other than Syracuse.

"Greg brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator, both at the collegiate and professional level," Rodriguez said in a statement. "We are excited to have Greg, Laura and their entire family, join our Michigan family. I know that Greg will work well with our defensive staff, entire football staff and players."

Robinson was Denver's defensive coordinator during each of its two Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998. He was 10-37 at Syracuse and had a year left on a contract that paid him $1.1 million per season with the Orange.

Shafer's compensation was $265,000.