Michigan tight end Zack Marshall apologized Tuesday for screenshots of messages that showed him criticizing offensive coordinator Jason Beck and Michigan’s offensive scheme.
“Last weekend, in the hours after we lost, I made some inappropriate comments that I regret,” Marshall wrote in a post on X. “This game is won and lost as a team and I pointed fingers instead of taking accountability. I let my frustrations speak for me in an emotional moment.”
Michigan’s offense gained just 180 yards in a 20-14 loss Saturday at Minnesota. Screenshots began circulating Monday evening on social media showing critical comments in a group chat attributed to Marshall.
One comment said, “Basically our offense sucks cause if you blitz us we have no answers… we have an extra OL on the field every play and run different versions of power read every play,” followed by a clown emoji. The comment went on to say, “Bryce (Underwood) is a good qb, beck is a problem.”
A Michigan spokesman referred to Marshall’s apology when contacted for comment.
Marshall, a senior, has appeared in all five games and started against UTEP. He has yet to catch a pass this season as Michigan’s tight ends have combined for just 65 receiving yards on nine catches with no touchdowns. Another screenshot attributed to Marshall stated that Beck, Michigan’s first-year offensive coordinator, met with the tight ends and “told us none of us are valuable to this offense.”
“I apologize to my teammates and coaches for the unnecessary drama that this has caused,” Marshall wrote. “I will always be proud to represent Michigan and will continue to give everything I have for this program.”
Marshall’s comments came amid a frustrating start for Michigan’s offense and criticism directed at Underwood and Beck. Michigan ranks 122nd in the FBS and 17th in the Big Ten in total offense, ahead of only Michigan State.
Coach Kyle Whittingham indicated changes were coming after Saturday’s loss, though it’s unclear what those changes will entail. Utah finished No. 4 in the FBS in total offense last season under Beck, but so far the results haven’t matched the glowing reports about Beck’s offense from preseason camp.
Marshall described Michigan’s offense as “lightning in a bottle” when speaking to reporters in August.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Marshall said then of Michigan’s offense. “There’s a lot of misdirection. It’s built to have answers for everything.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.