by Alan Babbitt
Former University of Michigan linebacker and assistant U-M football coach James Ross III has joined the Hope College Football coaching staff.
Ross will coach linebackers for the Flying Dutchmen.
Head coach Peter Stuursma said he is excited to welcome James Ross, his wife Omni, and son Jayce to the Hope College Football family.
"I have watched James grow from a young football player at Orchard Lake St. Mary's to his career as a player, at the University of Michigan and the NFL, to now. I am ecstatic to have him join the institution of Hope College," Stuursma said. "James brings a toughness, a work ethic, an expertise, and the ability to build relationships with players that will be a huge asset to our program. He has hit the ground running. We feel fortunate to have someone of his caliber here at Hope College."
Ross said he is thrilled to join the Flying Dutchmen coaching staff.
"Hope has some really high character guys on the team," Ross said. "Coach Stuursma is doing some great things with this program, and you can really see the progression. When he called me and offered me the job and voiced his plans for this program, my wife and I both knew then it was something I definitely wanted to be a part of."
Ross spent the past three years as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Michigan under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
"James is the consummate football coach who is dedicated to mentoring and participating in the development of the young men he coaches and teaches," Harbaugh said. "He played and conducted himself at a high level as a student-athlete and later as an outstanding football coach at the University of Michigan.
"James, wife Omni, and son Jayce will contribute much to the Holland, Michigan community. I look forward to watching his continued success as a husband, father and talented football coach."
With the Wolverines, Ross worked with defensive coordinator Don Brown coaching linebackers including four current NFL players: All-American and first-round draft pick Devin Bush (2018-2019), second-round NFL draft pick Josh Uche (2018-2020), fifth-round NFL draft pick Khaleke Hudson (2018-2020), and free-agent Jordan Glasgow (2018-2020).
"James is one of the hardest-working men I know working in the coaching profession," Brown said. "He is destined for greatness in this great game. He also understands the meaning of family. I look forward to watching his progression at Hope College and know that he will make a difference with the young people he coaches."
Ross wants to make an impact on student-athletes off the field as well. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in African American Studies. He minored in Community Action and Social Change at Michigan.
"I love the family aspect of this team. I knew it was a very family-oriented program when Coach Stuursma asked to Zoom call with my wife and my son after offering the job," Ross said. "The biggest thing that stuck out to me was the diversity and inclusion piece. It's exciting to see these kinds of diversity and inclusion initiatives being taken seriously.
"When kids choose a school, they usually look for relatability within that program. I plan to add to a coaching staff that already has such great experience. Hopefully, my background and story can relate to more potential minority student-athletes who would be great additions to Hope College."
Ross played linebacker at Michigan from 2012-15 and started for three seasons. He was named to the ESPN and Big Ten Networks All-Big Ten Freshman Teams. In 2016, Ross signed with the NFL's San Diego Chargers as a free agent and played in the preseason with them.
In high school, Ross helped Orchard Lake St. Mary's win the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state title as a junior in 2014. He was named to the Rivals High All-American team and All-State Detroit Free Press Dream Team that season.
As a high school senior, Ross was named to the U.S. Army All-American Game, the Detroit News Blue Chip List, and the All-State Detroit Free Press Dream Team for the second year in a row.
