Greg Frey’s first stint in Ann Arbor lasted three years.
His second could be much shorter.
According to a report from Josh Newberg of 247Sports.com, Michigan’s offensive tackles and tight ends coach didn’t travel home with the team from Tampa after Monday’s Outback Bowl. Instead, Frey and his wife drove up to Tallahassee to meet with new Florida State head coach Willie Taggart.
Frey may not have coached alongside Taggart before, but he does have significant shared history with the Seminoles, having played for Florida State’s 1993 championship team.
The report implies Frey has been in ongoing talks with Taggart, who was officially hired Dec. 5.
According to Newberg, there’s a “good chance” Frey’s departure is finalized in the near future.
Such a move would represent a second consecutive offseason with a significant shake-up in the offensive coaching staff. Following last season, the Wolverines saw former assistant coaches Jedd Fisch and Tyrone Wheatley leave for jobs elsewhere. Jim Harbaugh brought in Frey as one of the replacements along with passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton.
He was seen as a key cog in the development of Michigan’s offensive line, joining offensive coordinator Tim Drevno, who was responsible for interior linemen.
Frey, an acclaimed coach who has developed numerous NFL-caliber linemen such as Taylor Lewan, Jason Spriggs and Dan Feeney throughout stops at four different schools, also served as the Wolverines’ run game coordinator.
Known as a dogged recruiter, Frey was responsible for signing Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes, two four-star offensive tackles, and Luke Schoonmaker, a three-star tight end, in the 2018 class.
In his one year on staff, Michigan experienced mixed results along the offensive line. The Wolverines struggled with pass protection, especially on the right side of the line, where Michigan started three different players at right tackle. The Wolverines surrendered 36 total sacks, ranking No. 114 in the nation.
The rushing attack saw more positive results, although the Wolverines limped to the finish. In their final three games (all losses), they rushed a combined 115 times for 232 yards, averaging 2.0 yards per carry. On the year, Michigan averaged 177.7 rushing yards per game. According to the S+P ratings, the Wolverines’ rushing attack ranked No. 14 in the nation.
During Frey’s previous tenure, Michigan’s offensive line play improved quickly enough that he was able to see the fruits of his labor. That doesn’t appear to be the case this time around.