(NationRise.com)—Michigan’s defensive line coach, Greg Scruggs, was suspended indefinitely on March 15 as the team’s athletic department and football program reviewed the details surrounding his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. In a statement nearly 12 hours after police arrested Scruggs, Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore explained that the newly hired assistant made a terrible and “unfortunate mistake.” Moore added that the coach has made “excuses” and has even taken full “accountability” and responsibility for his actions.
According to Ann Arbor authorities, the 33-year-old newly hired assistant was arrested as he was driving his car at 3 a.m. “while intoxicated.” The news came as a surprise for many Michigan fans, as Moore announced in January he was hiring Scruggs to replace Jim Harbaugh, who had left the team to lead the Los Angeles Charges in a shocking move.
While many on social media expressed disbelief at Scruggs’ legal problem, this wasn’t the coach’s first DUI arrest. Back in 2011, police picked him up in Kentucky during his college years at Louisville as he was running over a light pole. Authorities also arrested him in Washington in 2013 for DUI. Scruggs was given a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to reckless driving.
Scruggs was a successful defensive end during his NFL years and coached Wisconsin’s defensive line in the 2023 season, bringing great results for the team. He was also an assistant at the Cincinnati Bearcats from 2020 to 2022, when he was hired by the New York Jets to become the team’s assistant defensive line coach.
Michigan’s newly hired assistant was one of Louisville’s leading defensive linemen from 2008 to 2011, and he was one of the program’s most promising players. Moore began his coaching career during that same period as a graduate assistant.
Scruggs was eventually drafted by Seattle in 2012 and played in 19 games over four seasons with the Chicago Bears and the Seahawks.
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