Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half Oct. 15, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michpenn 101522 Kd 0016564
Last Friday, the Michigan Wolverines, under the leadership of new head coach Sherrone Moore, revealed that Kirk Campbell would assume the role of offensive coordinator for the program. Despite his relatively short time in Ann Arbor, Campbell’s prior experience and positive reputation among the players warranted his promotion.
Campbell’s coaching journey began at Tiffin, a Division II institution, where he specialized in coaching wide receivers and tight ends. This role aligned with his background as a former two-year starting wide receiver at Mercyhurst University, followed by a stint as a graduate assistant coaching wide receivers at West Virginia Wesleyan.
Subsequently, Campbell served as the offensive coordinator at Division II Alderson Broaddus from 2012 to 2016, also taking on responsibilities as assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. During his tenure, the team’s offense averaged an impressive 34 points per game. Although he briefly held the head coach position at Alderson Broaddus, Campbell transitioned to an offensive analyst role at Penn State under James Franklin, where he played a role in developing several NFL-caliber quarterbacks and standout running backs.
Following his time at Penn State, Campbell joined Old Dominion University as offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2021, overseeing a program that achieved bowl eligibility for the second time in its history. Despite initial success, his tenure ended when the team experienced a decline in performance, leading to his dismissal. Campbell then joined the Michigan Wolverines as an offensive analyst, making notable contributions to recruiting efforts.
With the departure of Matt Weiss in the 2023 offseason, Campbell was a natural choice to assume the role of quarterbacks coach, receiving high praise from head coach Jim Harbaugh upon his hiring.
The strong connection between Michigan’s starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and coach Kirk Campbell quickly translated to success on the field. McCarthy had an exceptional season, breaking records in Ann Arbor with 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, completing an impressive 72.3% of his passes en route to a national championship. McCarthy recognized the bond he shared with Campbell early on and how it contributed to his development.
Expressing his admiration for Campbell, McCarthy emphasized not only his coaching prowess in the passing game and quarterback development but also his genuine friendship and support. McCarthy contrasted Campbell’s dynamic approach with the more analytical style of former coach Weiss, highlighting Campbell’s immediate and energetic problem-solving attitude, which resonated with the team.
Campbell’s leadership shone when he temporarily assumed play-calling duties during Sherrone Moore’s suspension in the 2023 season opener, guiding the Wolverines to a decisive victory with McCarthy delivering a standout performance. Now tasked with ongoing play-calling responsibilities, Campbell’s diverse background, including his experience as a wide receiver, positions him well to oversee the entire offense, supported by Moore and Grant Newsome.
Campbell’s coaching philosophy emphasizes utilizing tight ends effectively, drawing from his time at Old Dominion. He employs strategic motions and formations to create mismatches and opportunities, particularly with dynamic players like Colston Loveland and Max Bredeson. The offense is expected to further integrate pre-snap motion, maximizing the strengths of speedsters like Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris.
While incorporating elements from his tenure at Old Dominion, Campbell’s approach evolves to suit Michigan’s roster and opponents. He prioritizes agility and adaptability, evident in adjustments made to concepts like motion and RPO (Run-Pass Option) plays. The offense under Campbell aims for a balanced attack, blending power running with spread formations, catering to the strengths of the personnel while maintaining a physical style of play promoted by Moore.
