Safeties coach Bob Shoop is not actively coaching at this time, the team confirmed in a statement Monday morning.
“Bob Shoop is not working with the team in an on-field coaching capacity at this time,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “He is performing team-related duties remotely. In consideration of his privacy interests, we will have no further comment.”
Aashon Larkins, a defensive analyst, is currently doing on-field work with the safeties, the spokesperson confirmed.
“Aashon Larkins is coaching the safeties,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said at his press conference. “And doing a good job. And yeah, we’ve adjusted as best we can.”
The reason for Shoop’s absence is unknown. Rivals first reported that Shoop wasn’t working on-field.
Asked to elaborate, Harbaugh referred media back to the statement, citing confidentiality.
Shoop, a former defensive coordinator at William & Mary, Vanderbilt, Penn State, Tennessee and Mississippi State, was hired in January after Chris Partridge left for Ole Miss.
“Getting to know coach Shoop is a great guy, great coach — an even better person,” senior safety Brad Hawkins said this fall. “He knows a lot of football. He’s been around it, the game, a long time. I’m just happy to learn from a new guy, learn new things from a new person. It’s just something that’s helping me elevate my game.
“He’s been around a lot of great safeties. He coached (NFL safety) Adrian Amos. He coached some great guys. I’m happy to be around him and I’m happy to learn from him.”
Asked whether Shoop would return to the field this season, Harbaugh didn’t answer.
“I would refer you back to the statement and can’t comment on things that are of a private nature,” Harbaugh said.
This is a developing story and may be updated.