Hanlon came to Michigan in 1969 from Miami (Ohio) with Bo Schembechler, when he was hired as head coach. Hanlon spent 23 seasons, through 1991, at Michigan and coached several positions, including quarterbacks and defensive line, but was notable for his work as an offensive line coach.
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He helped produce 18 All-American linemen, as well as All-American quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Thirty-six of Hanlon’s players were drafted by NFL teams.
After retiring from coaching in 1991, Hanlon became assistant director of development and external relations for the athletic department.
Hanlon was from North Bend, Ohio, and began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Taylor High School. After one season, he went to Canton Catholic High School as an assistant football coach for four seasons and spent one year as head basketball coach. He took over the Youngstown Ursuline for three seasons, then worked at Cleveland St. Edward for one season before joining Jon McVay’s staff at the University of Dayton for the 1965 season.
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He graduated from the University of Miami in 1956. He played running back on the 1953, 1954 and 1955 teams that won two Mid-American Conference titles under Ara Parseghian. Before coming to Michigan, Hanlon coached three seasons in Miami under Schembechler (1966-68).
Funeral arrangements are pending.
This article originally appeared in The Detroit News: Jerry Hanlon, Longtime Michigan Football Assistant, Dies at 96