Hecklinski happy to be with Michigan

During his first go-round in college football, Jeff Hecklinski began at the highest level.

Only after swallowing some pride, learning some lessons and dropping one competitive notch did Hecklinski find success.

After being named a Parade all-American quarterback for his senior-year exploits at Palatine High School, Hecklinski didn’t give his best effort at Illinois and didn’t live up to his promise until he transferred to Western Illinois.

“My wife (Tiffany) was a big part of the process,” Hecklinski said. “When we transferred to Western, she told me, ‘It’s time to grow up. Know the world works in a certain way.’

“I would be the first to tell you, I didn’t do the right things (at Illinois). Was I a bad person? A bad kid? No.

“But did I do everything in my power to put myself in a situation to be successful? No.”

That path to self-actualization has guided Hecklinski during his second tour through the college football world — which has gone in the opposite direction of his playing days.

Hecklinski began his coaching career in 1998 at the lowest levels. He worked as an assistant for one season at Div. III Benedictine University in Lisle. Then he served for two years as offensive coordinator at Fort Scott, a junior college in Kansas.

Five promotions and 10 years later, Hecklinski has worked his way to the sport’s highest level. When Michigan began fall camp Monday, Hecklinski was on the practice field guiding the Wolverines’ highly touted group of wide receivers.

First-year Michigan boss Brady Hoke brought Hecklinski with him from San Diego State … just as Hoke included Hecklinski when he moved from Ball State to San Diego State in 2009.

This marks their eighth season together. Hecklinski said Hoke brought eight additional SDSU staffers to Michigan after being hired in January to replace Rich Rodriguez.

“There are no guarantees in this profession,” Hecklinski said. “Two thoughts go through your head when you hear he got the job. One, we’re very happy for him. Two, we hope we get the chance to go, too.

“We’re very fortunate to work for a coach that’s loyal. No matter your profession, you’re trying to get to the highest level. We’re on the biggest stage in college football now.”

Hecklinski has part of the responsibility for ensuring Michigan’s offensive makeover occurs rapidly.

During the Rodriguez era, the Wolverines ran the spread. Under Hoke, they’re returning to the more conventional attack that defined Michigan in the good old days.

Hecklinski says he tries to be himself when coaching, which means he stays even-keeled and keeps things positive.

“Every play there’s something to be coached — good or bad,” he said. “You handle each situation with poise. Coaching is not talking negatively about somebody, though you can raise your voice. Your players have to see that you’re in it for them.”

When asked whether his coaching demeanor matches the way he acted during his two years at Illinois, Hecklinski laughed.

“I’m sure as a young guy and the amount of publicity I had, I had to learn that,” he said. “I went to Illinois and I had to leave with my tail between my legs. I didn’t go about my business the proper way.

“My hope is whenever you talk to any former or current player of mine, they’ll say, ‘He’s fair, he respects us, and he’s in it for us.’”