Michigan hires Robinson to run defense

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson was hired as Michigan's defensive coordinator on Tuesday, replacing the man who resigned after the Wolverines' defense gave up the most points in school history.

Robinson, a two-time Super Bowl winner as the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator, was fired from Syracuse in November after going 10-37 in four seasons. Before joining Syracuse, he was co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Texas, where he garnered one his four Rose Bowl victories.

At Michigan he replaces Scott Shafer, who resigned in mid-December after his first season with the Wolverines. He coordinated a defense that gave up 347 points.

The team finished 3-9 in 2008, Rich Rodriguez's first year as head coach at the Ann Arbor school.

"Greg brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator, both at the collegiate and professional level," Rodriguez said in a statement. "I know that Greg will work well with our defensive staff, entire football staff and players."

Robinson, a Los Angeles native, spent 10 of his 14 years in the NFL as defensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos and New York Jets. He also spent eight years at UCLA, where he coached the defensive line for all but one season.