In a surprising move that has left Michigan fans uneasy, former Wolverines linebackers coach George Helow has been swiftly hired by the Alabama Crimson Tide, with expectations that he will join the coaching staff immediately.
The news comes as we are quickly approaching the highly anticipated Playoff matchup between the two powerhouses.
“Former Michigan LB coach George Helow has been hired by Alabama to the Crimson Tide staff. Helow spent the 2021-2022 seasons on the UM staff. Bama faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl, Jan. 1,” FOX Sports insider Bruce Feldman tweeted.
SOURCES: Former Michigan LB coach George Helow has been hired by Alabama to the Crimson Tide staff. Helow spent the 2021-2022 seasons on the UM staff. Bama faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl, Jan. 1. https://t.co/QuWeZFjuIhhttps://t.co/QuWeZFjuIh
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 14, 2023
The College Football Playoff matchup between the Wolverines and the Crimson Tide has now taken an unexpected turn, as Alabama welcomes a coach who was intricately involved with Michigan’s defensive strategies and schemes.
Needless to say, Michigan fans were NOT happy about this development and let their voices be heard on social media…
“Saban cheating again.”
Saban cheating again.
— Joe (@SportsGuy_Joe) December 14, 2023
“Alabama literally paying for an edge/intel. These guys all look for any advantage they can get. And people freaked out over some cell phone footage of sideline signals.”
Alabama literally paying for an edge/intel. These guys all look for any advantage they can get. And people freaked out over some cell phone footage of sideline signals.
— Stas (@sobchakheadband) December 14, 2023
“So when Saban does sketchy shit it’s “smart”?”
So when Saban does sketchy shit it’s “smart”?
— 🏈🏈🏈 (@hootyhoo1325) December 15, 2023
“Lmaooo Nick Saban is outsmarting the system, but serious question, if newly hired head coaches can’t be a part of their team’s bowl games and prep how can Helow help out Alabama?”
Lmaooo Nick Saban is outsmarting the system, but serious question, if newly hired head coaches can’t be a part of their team’s bowl games and prep how can Helow help out Alabama?
— Noah Bieniek (@NoahB77_) December 14, 2023
“All the Michigan fans that said Harbaugh didn’t know anything & the sign stealing wasn’t an unfair advantage are crying in the comments hahahahhaha.”
all the Michigan fans that said Harbaugh didn’t know anything & the sign stealing wasn’t an unfair advantage are crying in the comments hahahahhaha
— Ethan 🐘 (@TideOnTop_) December 14, 2023
Helow, who initially broke into coaching during the 2012 season at Alabama as a defensive intern on Nick Saban’s staff, spent the 2021-22 seasons with the Wolverines.
His tenure included contributing to back-to-back Big Ten championships and consecutive playoff appearances. However, Helow and the school “mutually agreed” to part ways in February 2023, marking the end of his coaching stint with the Wolverines.
What do you make of Saban’s decision to bring Helow back onboard?
How big of an advantage do you think it will be?
Or is the whole thing just a tad overblown???