The latest on coaching changes

Does Ron English's return, reportedly as defensive coordinator (but not yet confirmed by the university), mean Jim Herrmann will be leaving the University of Michigan? There's been plenty of speculation over the last few weeks – most of it inaccurate, some of it not – and it's continued from a number of different sources.

What we know – as reported yesterday, Ron English will return to Michigan after spurning the Bears' offer. Michigan's only comment, given at last night's Michigan – Ohio State basketball game, was to confirm that English would indeed return, stopping short of confirming it would be as coordinator.

Other sources, however, have confirmed it, and several others are have speculated Herrmann would land somewhere other than Michigan. Though where is still uncertain, it's purportedly in the NFL. Opportunities available include openings with the New York Jets as linebackers coach – where Herrmann has reportedly already interviewed - and in Dallas, where local newspapers shot down reports that Herrmann was a candidate a few weeks ago. As of late yesterday, however, the slot had still reportedly not been filled.

Several other rumors have since come to fruition or been shot down. Offensive coordinator Terry Malone has accepted the job as tight ends coach with the New Orleans Saints and has since been replaced by special teams coach/recruiting coordinator Mike DeBord, U-M's coordinator from 1997-99 before accepting the head job at Central Michigan. Quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler has announced he'll stay at U-M after reportedly receiving interest from the New England Patriots about their vacancy at the same position. He was in the front row at last night's basketball game sporting the block M hat.

Finally, the Detroit News has reported that English already has begun work to fill spots on the defensive staff and will interview several candidates for the linebackers job.