Wolverine Digest

BYU Defensive Backs Rave About Michigan’s New DC Jay Hill

Starting defensive backs from BYU explained why Jay Hill’s coaching style helped elevate the Cougars’ defense.
Justice Steiner|
Sep 2, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Weber State Wildcats head coach Jay Hill, left and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham get together prior to their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images
Sep 2, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Weber State Wildcats head coach Jay Hill, left and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham get together prior to their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images

In this story:

Michigan Wolverines

At the beginning of the month, new Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham officially hired Jay Hill as the next defensive coordinator for the Wolverines. Hill came to Ann Arbor from BYU, where he spent four years as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

Last summer, starting BYU cornerbacks Tre Alexander and Jonathan Kabeya sat down on the Coug Connect podcast, where they talked about playing for Hill.  Alexander finished the 2025 season, starting in 12 games for the Cougars with 34 tackles and an interception, while Kabeya started in four games with 10 total tackles.

“I don’t think people understand, playing with Coach Hill, you can talk about this, that man knows every single play that is going to happen before it happens,” Alexander said. “I am telling you, Coach Hill, he is a football connoisseur.”

The numbers back up those words. In 2025, Hill helped the Cougars rank amongst the top-10 in the country in red zone defense, red zone touchdown defense, interceptions and defensive touchdowns. In the season prior, BYU ranked first in the nation in interceptions with 22 and third in passing defense efficiency at 105.91. 

Therrian Alexander breaks up a pass against ECU
Sep 20, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (1) and safety Tanner Wall (28) break up the pass attempt to East Carolina Pirates tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

Kabeya explained that in film sessions, Hill would always be steps ahead, always knowing what was going to happen before it happened.

“Playing for somebody like that, you just trust them, and you just make plays from there,” said Kabeya.

On top of that, Kabeya explained why he liked playing for Hill, something that could draw future recruits to Ann Arbor.

“This is by far the most fun coached defense that I have ever played for,” Kabeya said. “I am really doing everything. As a nickel, I can blitz, I can cover, I’m in zone and they throw me in the outside too… You are really showing your whole versatility.”

With such high praise, the Michigan defense, in particular, the secondary, should be well-positioned for success under the new coaching regime.

— Sign up for the Michigan Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage fromMichigan Wolverines on SI —

Published
Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

Share on XFollow JusticeSteiner2
Home/Football