Michigan co-DC Steve Clinkscale explains why he likes his ‘obnoxious communication’ on field

After Mike McDonald decided to return to the Baltimore Ravens, Steve Clinkscale earned a promotion to co-defensive coordinator.

With fall camp having just started, Clinkscale is putting his imprint on the Wolverines’ defense. The theme of that imprint? Obnoxious communication. Clinkscale met with the media Thursday and Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News shared tidbit from Clinkscale discussing why it’s a good thing for a defense to communicate obnoxiously.

“Obnoxious communication” seems to be the theme with the Michigan defense this camp.

When I was a kid, my big sister would often tell me I was obnoxious. (“I am not onoxious!!”)

Asked UM’s Steve Clinkscale (secondary/co-DC) today if obnoxious is good. I feel redeemed pic.twitter.com/1d2SHrtkHC

— angelique (@chengelis) August 11, 2022

On defense, communication in real-time is critical. Clinkscale describing it as a fire drill is perfect. Successfully communicating through the chaos in the back end can make or break a defense. With Michigan having a new defensive voice, establishing that voice early can make a massive difference.