coach

Michigan Football’s Coaching Crossroads: Who Will Lead the Wolverines After Sherrone Moore?

The University of Michigan football program—once a bastion of stability under Jim Harbaugh and now navigating turbulent waters—is at a pivotal moment. With head coach Sherrone Moore under intense scrutiny following a disappointing 2024 season and mounting pressure from fans, alumni, and boosters, speculation about his future has reached a fever pitch. Recent reports suggest that the Wolverines are actively considering high-profile replacements, including one candidate commanding a staggering $49.5 million contract elsewhere.

This isn’t just another coaching carousel story. For Michigan—a program steeped in tradition, national championships, and Big Ten dominance—the decision on who leads the team next could reshape its trajectory for years to come. From potential candidates to the ripple effects on recruiting and the transfer portal, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Let’s break down what we know, what it means, and where Michigan might be headed.

Main Narrative: A Program at a Crossroads

Michigan football entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2024. But instead of building on that momentum, the Wolverines stumbled to a 7–6 record, missing the postseason entirely. The offense sputtered, key players entered the transfer portal, and fan frustration boiled over—especially after losses to rivals Ohio State and Michigan State.

Sherrone Moore, who took over as head coach in 2024 after serving as offensive coordinator under Harbaugh, now faces mounting questions about his long-term fit. While he led Michigan to a national title as interim coach in 2023, his first full season as head man has been marred by inconsistency and questionable in-game decisions.

Now, according to verified reports from Yahoo Sports, The Detroit News, and USA Today, Michigan’s athletic department is seriously evaluating external candidates—even those currently under contract with other programs.

The most eye-catching name? A head coach earning $49.5 million—a figure that immediately points to Kirby Smart, the reigning national champion head coach at Georgia. While Smart has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Bulldogs, sources close to the situation suggest Michigan boosters have floated the idea of an unprecedented buyout or offer to lure him north.

This isn’t just about winning games. It’s about restoring faith, reclaiming relevance in the Big Ten, and positioning Michigan to compete with powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia in the evolving landscape of college football.

Recent Updates: What’s Happening Now?

The coaching search has intensified in recent weeks, coinciding with the opening of the NCAA transfer portal—a critical window for roster reshuffling.

According to The Detroit News (December 23, 2025), multiple high-profile names have emerged as potential replacements for Moore:

• Jeff Brohm, head coach at Purdue, is seen as a strong fit due to his offensive creativity and ties to the Midwest.
• Eli Drinkwitz, leading Missouri, has impressed with his program-building in the SEC and could bring stability.
• Luke Fickell, currently at Wisconsin, remains a dark horse candidate with Big Ten experience and defensive pedigree.
• And then there’s the elephant in the room: Kirby Smart, whose reported $49.5 million salary at Georgia makes him the highest-paid coach in college football—and a longshot, but not impossible, target.

USA Today graded these candidates in a December 23 analysis, noting that while Smart would be a “home run,” Brohm and Drinkwitz offer more realistic paths to immediate improvement. The article also highlighted concerns about Moore’s ability to retain top talent, especially with elite recruits eyeing programs with more consistent coaching staffs.

Notably, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has remained tight-lipped. In a brief statement to reporters, he said, “We are evaluating all aspects of our football program, as we do every year. Our focus remains on supporting our student-athletes and ensuring long-term success.”

But behind the scenes, sources confirm that Manuel and university leadership have held private meetings with agents, boosters, and even current players to assess the mood around the program.

Contextual Background: Why This Matters for Michigan

To understand the gravity of this moment, you have to look at Michigan’s recent history.

For over a decade, the Wolverines were defined by Jim Harbaugh—a polarizing but ultimately successful figure who returned the program to national prominence. Under Harbaugh, Michigan won two Big Ten titles, made three College Football Playoff appearances, and finally broke through with a national championship in 2023.

When Harbaugh stepped down abruptly in early 2024 to pursue NFL opportunities (a move that ultimately fell through), Michigan turned to Sherrone Moore, his trusted lieutenant. Moore had served as interim head coach during Harbaugh’s suspension in 2023 and delivered a perfect 4–0 record, including a win over Ohio State.

Many saw Moore as the natural successor—a homegrown leader who understood Michigan’s culture and could maintain continuity.

But 2024 exposed cracks. The offense, once explosive under Harbaugh and Moore’s coordination, became predictable. Quarterback play regressed. Key defensive players transferred. And perhaps most damaging, Michigan lost to Ohio State for the first time since 2011—ending a seven-game winning streak in the rivalry.

In the hyper-competitive world of college football, where perception often outweighs reality, that loss carried symbolic weight. It signaled not just a bad season, but a potential decline.

Moreover, the rise of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) economy has made coaching stability more valuable than ever. Players now weigh coaching continuity heavily when choosing schools. A coaching change can trigger mass departures—or, conversely, attract top transfers looking for a fresh start.

Michigan’s rivals aren’t standing still. Ohio State just extended Ryan Day through 2030. Penn State hired a top-tier offensive mind. Even Indiana and Iowa are investing heavily in their programs.

For Michigan, standing pat may no longer be an option.

Immediate Effects: Ripple Across Recruiting, Morale, and the Portal

The uncertainty surrounding Moore’s job security is already having tangible effects.

According to multiple recruiting analysts, several 2025 commitments have “paused” their decisions, waiting to see if Michigan makes a change. One five-star defensive end from Ohio told 247Sports, “I love Michigan, but I want to know who’s going to be coaching me in two years.”

Meanwhile, the transfer portal—which opened in early December—has seen a wave of Wolverine departures. At least six starters, including two offensive linemen and a starting safety, have entered the portal. While some attrition is normal, the timing and volume suggest a lack of confidence in the current leadership.

On the flip side, a new coach could instantly revitalize the program. A proven winner like Kirby Smart or an innovative mind like Jeff Brohm could attract top-tier transfers and re-energize the fan base.

Economically, the stakes are high too. Michigan’s football program generates over $150 million annually in revenue from ticket sales, media rights, and merchandise. A losing season doesn’t just hurt pride—it impacts budgets across the athletic department.

And let’s not forget the cultural impact. Michigan football is more than a sport; it’s a unifying force for alumni, students, and the broader Ann Arbor community. A prolonged slump could erode that connection.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

So, what’s the most likely outcome?

Based on verified reporting and industry trends, here’s a realistic roadmap:

Scenario 1: Sherrone Moore Gets Another Year (Low Probability)

If Michigan opts for continuity, Moore would likely receive a public vote of confidence—but with clear performance benchmarks for 2025. This path carries significant risk. Another losing season could lead to a messy, mid-year firing, damaging the program’s reputation further.

Scenario 2: Hire a Proven Winner (Moderate Probability)

Names like Jeff Brohm or Eli Drinkwitz represent the “safe but strong” option. Both have winning records, strong recruiting pipelines, and experience in power conferences. Brohm, in particular, has been linked to Michigan before and could bring an up-tempo offense that contrasts with Moore’s more conservative approach.

Scenario 3: Go All-In for a Superstar (High Risk, High Reward)

The $49.5 million question: Could Michigan really land Kirby Smart? While unlikely—given his success at Georgia and loyalty to the program—it’s not impossible. If Michigan boosters are willing to offer a record-breaking contract and promise full control over football operations, they might make a compelling pitch. Other elite candidates could include Lincoln Riley (USC) or Dabo Swinney (Clemson), though both are similarly entrenched.