Skip to main content

Michigan football OC Chip Lindsey talks quarterback battle ahead of spring practice

Spring Game announced for April 19 at noon

ANN ARBOR, Mich.Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey discussed the quarterback room ahead of spring practice, set to take place this week in Ann Arbor.

Lindsey, who joined the Wolverines in December 2024, spoke to the media on Tuesday (March 18).

He focused on the highly anticipated quarterback, Bryce Underwood, and his impact on Lindsey’s decision to coach at Michigan.

Lindsey expressed excitement about Underwood’s decision to attend the University of Michigan, saying, “Bryce has come in and has really done a nice job of kind of simulating himself into the team, and he’s all into our culture.”

Lindsey, who previously served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Carolina, brings a wealth of experience, leading one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses in 2023.

The Wolverines’ new offensive coordinator is expected to revitalize the team’s offense after a challenging 2024 season under former coordinator Kirk Campbell.

Campbell’s tenure ended with a 7-5 record and a struggling offense ranked near the bottom in several key metrics.

--> Michigan football lands new offensive coordinator, per reports

Lindsey will guide a talented quarterback group that includes Underwood, Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, and Jadyn Davis.

Underwood, Michigan’s most highly recruited player in recent years, is expected to compete with Keene for the starting position.

Lindsey has a previous relationship with Keene from his time at UCF, where Keene excelled in the former American Conference.

Lindsey emphasized the importance of performance on the field, saying, “If he’s (Underwood) ready to go, he will play; if not, then somebody else will be ready to play.”

He praised Underwood’s approach, noting his dedication to becoming the best player he can be.

The offensive coordinator also highlighted the advanced development of today’s athletes, citing early training and preparation as the reason for this.

Lindsey remarked on Underwood’s physical attributes, saying, “He’s advanced physically, and I think for him, the speed of the game is always something you worry about coming into college compared to high school.”

As spring practice unfolds, Lindsey plans to evaluate the quarterbacks in various scenarios to determine who can best lead the team.

“At the end of the day, it’s about who connects with the other 10 guys the best, and that’s the guy that’s going to play,” Lindsey said.

While Underwood appears promising for the program’s future, Keene’s veteran presence and familiarity with Lindsey may influence the final decision.

Lindsey expressed confidence in Keene, saying, “He’s a guy that’s thrown for over 8,000 yards and completed a bunch of balls, and I think that was important as we needed a guy that could come in with a lot of experience.”

With spring practice underway, Michigan’s quarterback room is poised for an exciting competition, and Lindsey is eager to see how the players develop and respond to the challenges ahead.

--> Michigan football releases 2025 schedule: Wolverines have big time matchups next season


About the Author
Brandon Carr headshot

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.