Jim Harbaugh is going to need all the help he can get if he wants to compete for Big 10 supremacy against Urban Meyer and his defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

That is why the first year Michigan coach has decided to keep the team's Greg Mattison on his coaching staff. Mattison was defensive coordinator for Harbaugh's predecessor, Brady Hoke, but Harbaugh has brought on Florida Gators assistant D.J. Durkin to fill that position. Mattison will be transitioning to defensive line coach.

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"I am very excited that Greg will remain here in Ann Arbor to continue coaching at this outstanding university," Jim Harbaugh said in a release, obtained by The Detroit News. "He is a coach of the highest caliber who has dedicated his life to molding young men into outstanding people. He has strong bonds with our players and within this community. I have known Greg for a long time, and am so pleased that our relationship will continue here at Michigan."

In addition to coaching the maize and blue for the past four seasons, Mattison had also been a staff member for the program between 1992 and 1996.

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"Michigan is a special place to me, and I am excited to be a part of Jim's staff," Mattison said. "This university and this community mean a lot to me and my family. Having the opportunity to continue coaching a group I've grown so close to is very special. I look forward to continuing my work with these young men."