Jim Harbaugh is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking the conclusion of his notable tenure at his alma mater.
After guiding Michigan to their first national championship season since 1997, Harbaugh decided to depart from the Wolverines. His time at Michigan, starting in 2015, was marked by highs, including three consecutive Big Ten championships and three consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff. However, there were also lows, such as a five-game losing streak to Ohio State from 2015-19 and involvement in a pair of NCAA investigations, resulting in multiple suspensions for Harbaugh.
As Harbaugh moves on, Michigan will enter a new era, aiming to sustain their success in the Big Ten within the context of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The focus now shifts to understanding the reasons behind Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan and speculating about who might be the next head coach for the Wolverines.
Why did Jim Harbaugh leave Michigan
During his nine-season stint at Michigan, the most recent season has been particularly controversial for Jim Harbaugh, despite the team’s success on the field.
Harbaugh has become the subject of two NCAA investigations. As part of one investigation, he faced a three-game suspension imposed by the school at the beginning of the season due to impermissible contact with recruits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation also involved an allegation of a Level I infraction.
In addition, Harbaugh was absent from the last three games of the regular season due to a Big Ten suspension related to an in-person scouting and sign-stealing scandal. This scandal led to the dismissal of staff member Connor Stalions and assistant coach Chris Partridge.
Will Sherrone Moore replace Jim Harbaugh?
Sherrone Moore emerges as the most logical candidate to succeed Jim Harbaugh, given his adept handling of the team when stepping in for Harbaugh during the recent season. Moore took charge in Harbaugh’s absence against Bowling Green and later for the final three games of the 2023 regular season. Impressively, under Moore’s guidance, Michigan secured top-10 victories against Penn State and Michigan, contributing to the preservation of the Wolverines’ Big Ten championship and their successful College Football Playoff run.
At the age of 37, Moore effectively managed his dual roles as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Notably, Michigan earned the Joe Moore Award for having the nation’s top offensive line in both 2021 and 2022. Before joining Michigan, Moore served as an assistant coach at Central Michigan from 2014 to 2017, adding to his coaching experience and credentials.
Michigan coaching candidates to replace Jim Harbaugh
If Sherrone Moore is not deemed the suitable candidate, several other potential candidates could be considered for the Michigan job. While the specific names are not provided, it is common for athletic programs to explore various options when seeking a new head coach. The selection process may involve assessing coaches with a proven track record, experience, and a strategic vision that aligns with the goals and values of the program. The decision-making team may also consider factors such as leadership style, recruiting prowess, and familiarity with the university and its football program. The ultimate choice will likely depend on the unique needs and aspirations of Michigan football at that particular juncture.
Jesse Minter, Michigan defensive coordinator
If Sherrone Moore isn’t the preferred choice, another viable internal candidate could be Mike Minter. Minter served as the head coach in this year’s opener against East Carolina when Harbaugh was under his first suspension. At 40 years old, Minter currently holds the position of defensive coordinator, bringing with him four years of experience as an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, followed by a one-year stint with Vanderbilt.
During Minter’s second season, the Wolverines’ defense demonstrated notable effectiveness, allowing only 9.5 points per game. Additionally, Minter has been mentioned as a potential defensive coordinator if Harbaugh were to depart for the Los Angeles Chargers. This dual experience as a head coach and a defensive coordinator could position Minter as a legitimate internal candidate for the Michigan head coaching role.
Lance Leipold, Kansas coach
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic has raised the possibility of Lance Leipold being a potential candidate for the Michigan head coaching position. Feldman discussed this on “The Rich Eisen Show” on December 17. Leipold, aged 59, boasts an impressive coaching background, having secured six Division III national championships at Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has also accumulated a 54-54 record during his coaching stints with Buffalo and Kansas, a record that may be undervalued considering the challenges and contexts of the respective programs.
The question arises as to whether Leipold, with his extensive coaching experience, is ready for the transition to the high-profile Michigan program. While some may question this jump to the big time, Leipold’s track record and achievements suggest he could be a fitting candidate, particularly if Michigan is considering a fresh coaching staff. His success at the Division III level and his ability to bring competitive performances to programs like Buffalo and Kansas may make him a compelling choice for Michigan’s coaching role.
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota coach
It’s not uncommon for college football programs to consider coaching candidates with ties to rival schools, including former Ohio State assistants. In this case, P.J. Fleck, who is currently the head coach at Minnesota, could be a potential candidate for the Michigan job. Fleck, 43, gained attention for leading Western Michigan to a 13-1 season and a New Year’s Day Six Bowl appearance in 2016 before taking the head coaching position at Minnesota.
Fleck has maintained a 50-34 record over the last seven seasons with the Gophers, achieving steady success, although Minnesota has not secured a Big Ten West championship under his leadership. Despite that, the Gophers have won their last five bowl games, showcasing a level of consistent performance.
While Fleck may not be everyone’s preferred choice, he has been mentioned in job searches for other top-10 programs in the past. It’s worth noting that the Michigan job could be considered a “dream job” for Fleck. Whether Michigan feels the same way would depend on the program’s specific criteria, goals, and vision for the future. The decision to hire a coach with a background tied to a rival school would likely be influenced by various factors, including coaching success, philosophy fit, and the ability to lead the Wolverines to success in the Big Ten and beyond.
Matt Campbell, Iowa State coach
The case for Matt Campbell as a potential candidate for coaching positions, particularly when Jim Harbaugh was rumored to be on the hot seat, has been made several times. Campbell gained recognition for leading Iowa State to a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2020, and his coaching abilities were frequently discussed during times of coaching speculation.
Campbell is often praised for being a high-character program builder, evident in his work at Iowa State where the team made six bowl appearances in nine seasons. However, the concern arises from the team’s performance after the Fiesta Bowl victory. With a record of 18-20 since that significant achievement, some may argue that Campbell might have missed his window of opportunity for a high-profile coaching position.
Despite the recent challenges, Campbell’s overall coaching record, program-building skills, and reputation in the coaching community could still make him a contender for coaching vacancies, depending on the specific needs and expectations of the hiring program.
Brian Kelly, LSU coach
Hiring Brian Kelly for the Michigan head coaching position might be considered a long shot, especially given his recent move to LSU and the positive results he has achieved there. Kelly has compiled a 19-7 record with an SEC championship appearance and a Heisman Trophy winner (Jayden Daniels) over the last two seasons. His recent success with LSU makes it unlikely for him to leave the program, especially after such a short tenure.
While Kelly has ties to Michigan, having coached at Grand Valley State in Allendale from 1987 to 2003 and winning two Division II national championships during that time, it has been more than two decades since his tenure there. Additionally, the circumstances of Kelly leaving Notre Dame for LSU were indeed unexpected, suggesting that surprising coaching decisions can happen in college football.
However, the likelihood of Kelly leaving LSU for Michigan would depend on various factors, including his personal and professional motivations, the state of the Michigan program, and any other circumstances that could influence such a decision. As of now, it seems like a less probable scenario, but in the world of college football, surprises are always possible.
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