The University of Michigan has confirmed the passing of longtime assistant coach Jerry Hanlon. He was 96 years old.
According to a release from the university, Hanlon passed away on Sunday. Funeral arrangements are pending.
A member of coach Bo Schembechler’s staff, Hanlon began his tenure at the university in 1969. He held numerous roles over the decades, which included coaching the defensive line and offensive line. He also coached quarterbacks.
This work led to some major milestones for the Wolverines. Specifically, the 1991 Gator Bowl featured the offensive line being named Most Valuable Player after a 35-3 win over Ole Miss. Hanlon’s tenure also featured quarterback Jim Harbaugh becoming an All-American.
Michigan Athletics mourns the passing of long-time assistant coach and administrator, Jerry Hanlon.
» https://t.co/Xrtp6bYlaA pic.twitter.com/guE49MA7Fm
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) March 22, 2026
The Wolverines reached 19 bowl games during Hanlon’s time working as an assistant coach. This included 11 appearances in the prestigious Rose Bowl. The team posted 22 winning seasons.
While the longtime assistant coach retired from this part of the job in 1991, he did not depart the University of Michigan. He remained while working as assistant director of development and external relations for the athletic department.
“Michigan Athletics has lost one of the finest ambassadors and mentors our football program has ever known,” said Director of Athletics Warde Manuel.
“Jerry devoted his life to coaching, teaching, and developing young men, watching them grow into leaders in our community and into devoted husbands and fathers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, those he coached, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Coach Hanlon.”
The longtime assistant also worked with Schembechler before joining the University of Michigan staff. The two worked together at the University of Miami (Ohio). Schembechler served as head coach between 1963 and 1968 while posting a win-loss record of 40-17-3. Hanlon joined the coaching staff in 1966 and remained through the end of the 1968 season.
Hanlon also took over the Youngstown Ursuline football program early in his career and led it to a 19-5-3 record over three seasons.
