Ron Bellamy on returning to Michigan

Ron Bellamy is back in Ann Arbor. The former Michigan Wolverines wide receiver was hired as an assistant coach for the university earlier this year.

Giddy to be back with the program, Bellamy detailed how excited he was for the coming season.

“Exciting,” he answered, when asked how it felt to be back, per The Wolverine on YouTube. “I get chills every time I walk through the building.

“I think about my freshman year, first time walking in this building from Louisiana. It means something. It’s a special place.”

To explain, Bellamy was a student-athlete at Michigan from 1999 to 2002. In his time as a player, he amassed 25 starts in 36 games, hauling in 67 receptions for 888 yards and nine touchdowns.

Following his college career, Bellamy gave the NFL a shot. However, he never found a home, bouncing around between the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions from 2003 to 2008.

Ron Bellamy’s Coaching Career

While his playing career didn’t end the way Bellamy wanted, it opened up the door for him to take up coaching. From 2010 to this January, the former Michigan wide receiver was the head coach at West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Furthermore, Bellamy has been instrumental in helping young players achieve their dreams. Under his watch, 165 players have earned scholarships, including 50 at the FBS level.

Additionally, he brought the program to heights they never reached prior. In his final season as head coach in 2020, Bellamy led the school to their first ever state title.

While Bellamy’s professional career ended unsuccessfully, he ended his second act as a high school head coach as one of the most successful in the state of Michigan. 

“I’ve been fortunate and blessed to acquire a position group that is a talented group.”

While Bellamy has experience playing wide receiver at Michigan, he was hired to coach the other side of the football. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the former wide receiver’s job is to coach the Michigan safeties.

In addition to his excitement to be back with Michigan, Bellamy spoke about how fortunate he is to coach such a talented unit.

“The thing I love about the guys is they’re students of the game,” said Bellamy. “They’re always prepared, they’re diligent in everything they do.

“I’ve been fortunate and blessed to acquire a position group that is a talented group.”

Additionally, one member of that group is veteran safety Brad Hawkins. In his college career, Hawkins has played four full seasons for the Wolverines. This season, he’s elected to use the extra year of eligibility afforded to him by the NCAA due to the pandemic.

“Brad and I came to Michigan the same year,” joked Bellamy. “Having an experienced group like that, and having a leader in our group . . . it helps my transition, making the transition from high school to college.”

Ron Bellamy is excited to be back at Michigan, and the Wolverines are lucky to have him as they rebuild their program.