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FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 29: Berj Najarian and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, father of New England Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz 65 walk onto the field during day 3 of New England Patriots training camp on July 29, 2022, at the Patriots Training Facility at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JUL 29 New England Patriots Training Camp Icon482220729108
Apr 29, 2026, 6:01 PM CUT
Michigan Football Officially Hires Bill Belichick's Former Patriots' Staffer
It has been a significant leadership overhaul at The Big House ever since Kyle Whittingham was brought in to steady the ship for the Michigan Wolverines, and that train has not quite stopped yet.
This time, the veteran head coach has added Bill Belichick’s former right-hand man. Previously, at Ann Arbor, there was no assistant general manager position, but now there is one.
“Michigan is set to hire Berj Najarian as the football program’s new assistant general manager/strategy. He’s going to help Kyle Whittingham’s program with contracts, negotiations, and strategy for the new college sports landscape,” per ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel.
Najarian has worked closely with Bill Belichick and has been with the Patriots for over two decades as a director of football.
"Point-person for day-to-day operations of the team and acts as liaison across football and non-football departments. Najarian manages several elements of head coach Bill Belichick’s off-field agenda, including football and stadium operations, player and staff communication, scheduling, and personal requests," Najarian's former role, per ESPN.
Following his tenure with the New England Patriots, Najarian spent a year as chief of staff with Boston College and is now making his way to Ann Arbor to work under Kyle Whittingham.
Other Changes Made by Whittingham at Ann Arbor
Whittingham has snagged Najarian, who was part of all six Super Bowl successes at Foxborough.
It is important to note that Whittingham was brought in after what was a time of turmoil at Ann Arbor, with Sherrone Moore having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, and he was fired for the same.
Whittingham ran a successful program for two decades at Salt Lake City, with the Utah Utes and for athletic director Warde Manuel.
Some of the other changes include Dave Peloquin as general manager to replace Sean Magee.
Sam Popper departed the Big House for San Diego State, and Skylar Phan has taken over as the director of recruiting.
This is all to do with the administrative side of football, and with NIL rapidly changing the landscape, Whittingham brought in Peloquin, who is well-versed with NIL, as this is how the future of college football is going to look.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
