Michigan legend Tyrone Wheatley is now head coach at Wayne State

Thursday afternoon, Wayne State University (A Division II school located in Detroit, Michigan) announced that it has hired former Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley as its new head football coach. The Warriors are again bringing the former Michigan legend back to the southeast Michigan area.

Tyrone Wheatley returns to Michigan

As most Michigan football fans know, Wheatley is regarded as one of the greatest Wolverines of all time. In 1992, Wheatley rushed to the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Award — carrying the ball for 1,357 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wheatley added 235 yards to his season, helping Michigan overcome Washington 38-31.

Wheatley’s coaching experience

Tyrone Wheatley has excellent coaching experience, though this will be his first stop as a collegiate head coach. In 2015-16 — the first two years of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure — Wheatley assisted the Wolverines to a 20-6 overall record. Wheatley also made many stops in the NFL — most recently with the Denver Broncos.

Tyrone Wheatley’s statements

Here is what the Warriors’ new head coach had to say after being hired (per Click On Detroit):

“I am beyond excited to welcome Coach Wheatley and his family to the Wayne State community,” Wayne State Athletic Director Erika Wallace said. “Coach Wheatley has a passion for developing the student-athlete not only on the field, but off. His ability to mentor men, develop talent, and recruit will elevate our football program. I’m looking forward to watching his leadership as he guides our Warrior student-athletes into a new era.”

Wheatley continued, “First of all, I would like to thank Wayne State University, President M. Roy Wilson and Athletic Director Erika Wallace for the opportunity to lead a great university and its football team,” Wheatley said. “I am looking forward to coming home — as they always say, ‘There is no place like home.’ No matter where I have been, I’ve always tried to recruit the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit. I am pleased, honored, and blessed to be back home and to coach at Wayne State University.”

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