Out with the old, in with the … old?
- Scott Bell
- Assistant coach Mike Jackson (top) will return to Michigan after taking an assistant coaching job at Illinois State just more than a week ago. Jackson left the Wolverines after Tommy Amaker (bottom) was fired more than three weeks ago. (FILE PHOTO)
In his first major move as head of the Michigan men’s basketball program, coach John Beilein has re-hired Mike Jackson as an assistant coach.
Jackson had signed on to be an assistant coach at Illinois State on March 30 after then-coach Tommy Amaker was fired. But Beilein wanted an assistant with Detroit recruiting ties, and Jackson caught his attention.
“I am thrilled to have Mike Jackson rejoin the Michigan Basketball staff,” Beilein said through the athletic department. “I did a lot of research in the days since I was hired and there is no doubt Mike is a tremendous fit for the future of this program. His experience and connections with and around this program will only be a plus for us as we get set to move forward.”
Jackson spent two years with the Wolverines under Amaker. He was instrumental in recruiting forwards DeShawn Sims and Ekpe Udoh, and coached the Michigan guards.
“This was a great opportunity for my family and I to stay in Michigan,” Jackson said through the athletic department. “To be able to learn and work with a coach like John Beilein, I have no doubt it will be a wonderful experience. Having a chance to come back and be with these kids that I grew close to and shared a lot with over the last two years makes it even more special.”
Recruit Alex Legion has indicated he has a positive relationship with Jackson, and the coach’s return might help convince the Oak Hill Academy product to stay committed to Michigan. Jackson’s hiring might also have an influence on fellow Detroit native and Michigan signee Corperryale “Manny” Harris.
Jackson graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in business administration in 1995 and was the first Titan to score 1,000 points and record 400 assists in his career.
He started his coaching career with his alma mater immediately after graduating and coached there until 2001, helping Detroit to two NCAA appearances along the way. Jackson left the Titans for Toledo and served as an assistant coach there for two years until moving to Dayton in 2003. He helped the Flyers capture an Atlantic 10 West Divison championship in 2004 and a trip to the NCAA Tournament before leaving for Michigan.