Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown reacts to a fourth quarter penalty during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football has reportedly fired defensive coordinator Don Brown following the team’s worst showing during his five-year tenure. SOURCE: #Michigan has dismissed defensive coordinator Don Brown. For a defensive coordinator who makes his living on pressuring quarterbacks, Brown simply couldn’t do so the last two years, especially against decent competition. Most notably, Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi had a career game passing over the Wolverines’ cornerbacks.