Michigan updates on Justice Haynes, Jordan Marshall, Ernest Hausmann, Kerry Coombs following Citrus Bowl selection
Michigan Wolverines football head coach Sherrone Moore spoke with the media via Zoom on Sunday afternoon after the team earned a spot in the Citrus Bowl against Texas on December 31. In a wide-ranging update, Moore shared injury news on two standout running backs and discussed the hiring of Kerry Coombs to replace J.B. Brown as special teams coordinator.
Justice Haynes, a junior running back for Michigan, underwent foot surgery in early November and sat out the final four games of the regular season. When asked if he would be available for the bowl game against Texas, Moore did not commit to a firm answer, saying the plan would become clearer as the week progresses. Moore added that Haynes’ recovery is progressing well. Haynes has carried 121 times for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
Sophomore Jordan Marshall had also enjoyed a breakout season, stepping into a larger role after Haynes’ injury. The 5-foot-11, 216-pound Cincinnati native logged 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 attempts. Marshall suffered a shoulder injury on November 15 at Northwestern, missed the following game against Maryland, and was limited in the regular-season finale versus Ohio State. In the loss to the Buckeyes, he had 7 carries for 61 yards and 1 reception for 10 yards, leaving the game early but returning; his effectiveness waned in the second half. Moore expressed confidence in Marshall’s readiness for the bowl, noting that he fought through the shoulder issue and gave as much as possible.
Senior linebacker Ernest Hausmann, a captain and the team’s second-leading tackler with 68 stops, was absent for the final two games for undisclosed reasons. Moore said Hausmann is dealing with personal matters and a thumb injury sustained in the Northwestern game, emphasizing the need for support in his journey.
Moore also confirmed that Kerry Coombs will coach in the Citrus Bowl and has begun his duties at Michigan, though his contract is not yet finalized. He does not anticipate additional on-field coaching changes ahead of the 2026 season. Moore praised Coombs’ energy, veteran leadership from NFL and college coaching backgrounds, and extensive recruiting chops, noting his high school coaching experience and reputation as an elite recruiter and developer of men.
Coombs’ presence is expected to bring renewed energy to the team’s special teams and overall program leadership as Michigan prepares to face Texas in Orlando, Florida, at Camping World Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31.
