Tuesday Thoughts: Gary Moeller was as ‘Michigan’ as anybody

“All that any player can ask for from a coach is for him to believe in you, give you a chance to be special. And when you’re able to deliver, a bond is sealed for life. My heart is broken over the loss of Coach Mo ….”

RELATED: Former Michigan head coach Gary Moeller passes away

Those were Desmond Howard’s words after he learned of Gary Moeller’s passing Monday, shared by everyone who played for him at Michigan or elsewhere. And over the years, whether it was as an acquaintance or one of his former players or colleagues, Moeller left an impression on those he met. 

Here, it was in 2010, the only time we ever had lengthy face to face discussion. Moeller and his wife, Ann, sat next to us in the press box before Rich Rodriguez’s last game in Columbus. He watched warm-ups and said something like, “what I wouldn’t give to be down there one last time.” 

When we offered that the Michigan fan base would probably love to see it, too, his response of gratitude said it all. It was genuine, just as he was.

For years following his dismissal in 1995 following an off-field incident, Moeller seemed to keep his distance. One year, however, he was convinced to attend a Michigan football reunion. Our John Borton captured it in one of the best of his many elite columns over the years, explaining how a buzz grew in the building when Moeller walked in, resulting in a long standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

They loved ‘Mo’ — and he loved them. And Borton captured the moment beautifully.

Gary Moeller — a Michigan icon

Over the years, we leaned on Moeller for memories of his better teams, including the outstanding 1991 and ’92 squads for which he earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. He was always ready and willing to talk, even when his memory started to fade a bit. Those were his boys, after all, and for five years, he was their leader. 

But his legacy spans far beyond just a handful of seasons. He was Bo Schembechler’s right-hand man for years with a three-year stop at Illinois in between, a former Ohio State captain who defected with his friend and became all Michigan. He coached a number of different positions, served as both defensive and offensive coordinator and opened up the offense in 1990. 

“As a defensive coordinator, he developed a defense in the Sugar Bowl against Auburn that kept Bo Jackson, Lionel James, and Tommy Agee, three future NFL running backs, out of the end zone,” former Michigan player and broadcaster Jim Bradndsatter recalled. “Auburn, eventual National champs, managed just three field goals against Michigan and Moeller’s defense. The best single game defensive performance I ever witnessed from a Michigan team.

“As an offensive coordinator, he innovated a no huddle offense for Michigan, and was instrumental in getting Desmond Howard in positions to have an incredible year and win the Heisman Trophy. He was an incredible football coach.”

And his players loved him. As broken up as those who were recruited by Schembechler were to lose their coach to retirement in 1990, that’s how relieved they were to find out Moeller was going to be the replacement.

It was Schembechler’s plan all along, and it provided a seamless transition. Moeller took over for the icon, proceeded to win three Big Ten titles in five years, and went 3-1-1 against rival Ohio State. 

A man of strength and character

Only bad fortune at Notre Dame and a blown call against Michigan State prevented an elite season in 1990. The 1991 and ’92 teams provided some of the most prolific offenses Michigan had ever seen, including elite skill position players and outstanding offensive lines. 

They dominated by using the same hard-nosed, albeit more pass-friendly approach.

“We loved Coach Mo, and he loved us,” former Michigan All-Big Ten offensive lineman Doug Skene (1988-92) said. “He advanced the Michigan offense into more dynamic passing attacks, and we started zine blocking under his leadership. 

“One of my favorite memories of Coach Mo was him telling me and [linemen Steve] Everitt and [Joe] Cocozzo that we were such jerks on the football field … which was a big compliment to us.”

More than anything, Skene and everyone else who commented on him said, was his devotion to his players and the University of Michigan. 

“He gave a lot to the game of football, excelling as both an offensive and defensive coordinator and head coach in the college and NFL ranks,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We have lost a wonderful family man …”

“I am deeply humbled when people refer to me as a “Michigan Man.” In my opinion, Gary Moeller was as fine a “Michigan Man” as you’ll find,” Brandstatter added. “At Michigan football we have lost a giant. 

“Gary Moeller, an Ohio State graduate, belongs in the front row of Michigan football greats. He unfortunately suffered more adversity than he deserved, and yet came through it with his strength and his character intact.”

That, more than anything, will be the lasting memory of the man they called “Mo.”