dave portnoy

Dave Portnoy’s Wild Ride: From Barstool to Michigan Football Chaos

When you think of Dave Portnoy, you might picture a guy in a hockey jersey screaming about pizza or dropping hot takes on sports. But lately, the Barstool Sports founder has been making waves far beyond his usual stomping grounds—especially in the world of college football. And at the center of it all? The University of Michigan’s messy, high-stakes coaching search.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how one controversial media mogul became an unexpected player in one of the biggest stories in American sports.

What Just Happened? The Verified Facts

As of late December 2024, the University of Michigan is in full-blown crisis mode. After firing head coach Sherrone Moore—yes, the same guy who led the Wolverines to a national title in 2023—the school now finds itself scrambling to find a replacement amid swirling rumors, internal drama, and public scrutiny.

According to AP News, Michigan’s search committee has already reached out to several prominent coaches, including: - Kenny Dillingham, head coach at Arizona State (a rising star known for turning around programs) - Eli Drinkwitz, head coach at Missouri (a strong SEC performer)

These are verified contacts, confirmed by an Associated Press source close to the process. No official offer has been made, but these names are clearly on the shortlist.

Meanwhile, The Detroit Free Press has been tracking every twist and turn of the search, reporting on internal debates, booster influence, and even concerns about NCAA compliance issues lingering from past investigations. The New York Times’ Athletic section added context with a recent column by Stewart Mandel, who highlighted the broader instability in college football leadership—especially at blue-chip programs like Michigan.

But here’s where things get interesting: Dave Portnoy isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He’s trying to shape the outcome.

Recent Updates: The Timeline You Need to Know

Here’s a quick rundown of the key developments—backed by credible sources—that have shaped this saga:

🗓️ Late November 2024: Sherrone Moore Fired

• After leading Michigan to a national championship in 2023, Moore’s tenure collapsed under the weight of a scandal involving an alleged inappropriate relationship with a university staff member.
• The university confirmed the firing, citing “conduct unbecoming of a head coach.”
• Moore was also arrested in connection with the incident, adding legal complications to the fallout.

“This wasn’t just about losing games,” said a source familiar with the decision. “It was about trust, culture, and protecting the integrity of the program.”

🗓️ December 5, 2024: Coaching Search Officially Launched

• Athletic Director Warde Manuel assembled a search committee, including former players, administrators, and alumni.
• Early speculation centered on big names: Kalen DeBoer (Washington), Kyle Whittingham (Utah), and even NFL returnees.

🗓️ December 12, 2024: AP Confirms Dillingham & Drinkwitz Contacted

• First major leak from trusted media: Michigan reached out to both Arizona State’s Dillingham and Missouri’s Drinkwitz.
• Dillingham, in particular, emerged as a top target due to his offensive innovation and success with limited resources.

🗓️ December 17, 2024: Dave Portnoy Weighs In Publicly

• On Wake Up Barstool, Portnoy declared: “I’ve got the answer. Kenny Dillingham is the guy. And I’m gonna make sure Michigan gets him.”
• He claimed he had “inside info” and suggested he could use his influence to sway the decision.

“If they don’t hire Dillingham, they’re idiots,” Portnoy said on air. “He’s young, smart, and he knows how to win. And he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo.”

🗓️ December 18, 2024: Netflix Deal Announced – And Backlash Follows

• In a surprise move, Barstool Sports announced a major podcast partnership with Netflix, set to launch in 2026.
• Three flagship shows—Pardon My Take, Call Her Daddy, and The Dave Portnoy Show—will move exclusively to Netflix’s audio platform.
• Portnoy called it “a game-changer” during a live social media announcement to his 3.7 million X (formerly Twitter) followers.

But not everyone was thrilled. Critics accused Portnoy of “selling out” to a corporate giant, especially given Barstool’s roots as an edgy, independent voice.

“Barstool was built on being anti-establishment,” one longtime fan posted. “Now you’re teaming up with Netflix? That’s not punk rock. That’s capitalism.”

Portnoy fired back: “Haters gonna hate. This is about growth. And guess what? I still own Barstool. This doesn’t change anything.”

🗓️ December 19, 2024: Portnoy Doubles Down on Michigan Plan

• In a follow-up segment, Portnoy outlined his vision for “fixing Michigan football,” which included:
• Hiring Dillingham immediately
• Overhauling the recruiting department
• Embracing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) strategies aggressively
• Bringing in more “culture guys” to rebuild team morale

“They need energy, not another old-school guy with a whistle,” he argued. “They need someone who understands Gen Z, TikTok, and how kids think today.”

Who Is Dave Portnoy, Really?

Before we dive deeper, let’s take a step back and understand who this guy is—because he’s not just another loudmouth on the internet.

Born in 1977 in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Dave Portnoy started Barstool Sports in 2003 as a print gambling newsletter. Over two decades, he turned it into a $550 million media empire, known for its irreverent tone, viral content, and loyal fanbase (“Stoolies”).

Barstool covers everything from sports and pop culture to politics and business—but always with a punchy, unfiltered voice. Think: The Daily Show meets ESPN, but with more memes and fewer suits.

Portnoy himself has become a cultural lightning rod: - Famous for his One Bite pizza reviews (“One bite, everyone knows the rules”) - Vocal critic of mainstream media and “woke culture” - Involved in high-profile feuds with athletes, politicians, and fellow media personalities - Recently ventured into crypto, investing heavily in XRP (Ripple) and teasing a massive move if the coin hits certain price points

Despite controversies—including lawsuits, workplace complaints, and public meltdowns—Portnoy remains a powerful influencer, especially among young, male sports fans.

And now, he’s using that influence to try to reshape Michigan football.

Why Does This Matter? The Cultural Context

This story isn’t just about a coaching hire. It’s about the collision of old-school college athletics and the new media age.

For decades, college football decisions were made behind closed doors—by athletic directors, presidents, and boosters. Coaches were chosen based on résumés, win-loss records, and personal relationships.

But today? Social media, podcasts, and influencers have rewritten the rules.

Dave Portnoy represents a new breed of power broker: someone with no official role, yet enormous sway over public opinion and fan sentiment. His endorsement of Kenny Dillingham isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a campaign.

And Michigan, like many schools, is feeling the pressure.

The Shift in Influence

• Fan Engagement: Schools now compete not just for wins, but for eyeballs. A coach with strong social media appeal can boost merchandise sales, ticket demand, and recruiting.
• NIL & Branding: With athletes profiting from their names, image, and likeness, schools must align with modern marketing trends. Dillingham, for example, has a strong digital presence and is known for engaging directly with fans.
• Crisis Management: After the Moore scandal, Michigan needs a leader who can restore trust—