Michigan, Jim Harbaugh announce additional coaching hires

ANN ARBOR -- The homecoming feel that Jim Harbaugh has brought to Ann Arbor can extend to two of his assistant coaches that were announced on Monday.

Michigan and Harbaugh announced that Kevin Tolbert and Greg Mattison have been added to the coaching staff. Tolbert will be named director of football strength and conditioning and Mattison, former defensive coordinator under Brady Hoke, will remain on staff as a defensive line coach.

Tolbert returns to Ann Arbor for his second stint with the Wolverines. Previously, he was an assistant strength coach with former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr from 2001-2007. He has also worked with Harbaugh for the past six seasons with Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers.

"Kevin is an outstanding leader who will immediately make an impact on the young men in our program as the director of strength and conditioning," said Harbaugh in a statement. "He brings tremendous experience from the NFL and collegiate ranks, and his knowledge of Michigan makes him a terrific addition. He is a competitor and a winner, and I couldn't be happier to have him here in Ann Arbor."

Tolbert also has NFL experience with the Detroit Lions in 2008 and was a volunteer strength and conditioning coach with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Having the opportunity to return to Michigan, and come here with Coach Harbaugh, is an opportunity that I know is the right fit," said Tolbert in a statement. "I spent many great years in Ann Arbor, and have had the good fortune to work with Jim for several years after that. I look forward to getting started again here. We want to be competitors and leaders in everything we do. That is the mission of Michigan, and I am excited to be a part of it."

Mattison and Harbaugh combination has a long history. After working with Harbaugh's dad and brother, this will be the first time working with the new Michigan head coach in his career.

"I am very excited that Greg will remain here in Ann Arbor to continue coaching at this outstanding University," said Harbaugh. "He is a coach of the highest caliber who has dedicated his life to molding young men into outstanding people. He has strong bonds with our players and within this community. I have known Greg for a long time, and am so pleased that our relationship will continue here at Michigan."

Mattison will take a step back from his defensive responsibilities he had under Hoke, but will be focused on the defensive line where he brings over 15 years of defensive coordinator at the collegiate level with him.

"Michigan is a special place to me, and I am excited to be a part of Jim's staff," said Mattison in a statement. "This University and this community mean a lot to me and my family. Having the opportunity to continue coaching a group I've grown so close to is very special. I look forward to continuing my work with these young men."