Jim Harbaugh is leaving for the NFL, creating a coaching vacancy at Michigan. Despite the coaching carousel slowing down, the Wolverines are not expected to search far for a replacement. Sherrone Moore, who has been with the team for the past six seasons, is the front-runner to become the 21st head coach in Michigan’s history, as reported by ESPN’s Chris Low on Wednesday night.
Moore’s journey to potentially become the head coach of the Wolverines closely resembles that of Ryan Day, the head coach of Michigan’s rival, Ohio State. Both Moore and Day served as offensive coordinators under their respective team’s previous coach. In the final season of their predecessor’s tenure, they both had stints as interim head coaches and made positive impressions in those roles. Moore is set to follow Day’s path by taking over a prestigious program as a first-time head coach and succeeding a coach who had won a national championship, with the added similarity of the departing coach heading to the NFL. However, it’s worth noting that Urban Meyer, Ohio State’s coach, took a few years before transitioning to the NFL.
How did Moore transition from being an offensive guard at Butler County Community College to the likely next head coach of the reigning national champions? Here’s the scoop.
Who is Sherrone Moore?
At 37 years old, Sherrone Moore, currently serving as Michigan’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the position of the next head coach of the Wolverines.
Moore’s background includes playing as an offensive lineman at Butler County Community College and Oklahoma. Following his playing days, he embarked on a coaching career in 2009, starting as a graduate assistant at Louisville.
Where did Sherrone Moore go to college?
Sherrone Moore initiated his college playing career as an offensive guard at Butler County Community College, situated in El Dorado, Kansas, and ranking as the second-largest community college in the state. Making an impact right from the start, he served as a starter for the team during his true freshman year in 2004. In the two seasons he played, Moore played a crucial role in guiding the Grizzlies to two Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference championships.
After completing the 2005 season, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he continued to make significant contributions over two seasons. During his time with the Sooners, Moore played a key role in securing two Big 12 titles and participated in the Fiesta Bowls of 2007 and 2008.
Moore concluded his collegiate journey at Oklahoma in 2008, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication.
Sherrone Moore coaching timeline
Shortly after concluding his playing career, Sherrone Moore wasted no time transitioning to coaching. Just one year after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2008, Moore embarked on his coaching journey by joining Louisville as a graduate assistant in 2009.
During his three seasons with the Cardinals, Moore played a role in guiding the team to two bowl games and worked closely with the starting offensive linemen. He continued to expand his knowledge in sports administration, earning a master’s degree in 2011. In 2012, when Charlie Strong took over as head coach, Moore remained on the coaching staff and assumed the role of tight ends coach for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Following Strong’s departure for Texas in 2014, Moore joined Central Michigan as the tight ends coach under Dan Enos. There, he coached notable players such as Ben McCord and Tyler Conklin, both of whom made their mark in the NFL.
In 2017, Moore’s responsibilities expanded as he was promoted to assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator, in addition to his role as the tight ends coach. In 2018, he caught the attention of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, joining the Wolverines as the tight ends coach, a position he held through 2020. Under Moore’s guidance, players like Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon went on to the NFL, earning All-Big Ten accolades.
In 2021, Moore took on a new challenge, transitioning to coaching the offensive line and being named co-offensive coordinator alongside Josh Gattis. This move proved pivotal for the Wolverines as they experienced a significant turnaround. Michigan ended an eight-game losing streak to Ohio State, clinched the Big Ten title, and reached the College Football Playoff. The offensive line’s exceptional performance earned them the prestigious Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the country, and several players along the line received All-American honors.
The following year, the offensive line’s excellence continued, securing another Joe Moore Award, marking the first time a program won back-to-back honors. Center Olusegun Oluwatimi received the Outland Trophy and the Rimington Award, contributing to Michigan’s victories over Ohio State, another Big Ten title, and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Experience as Michigan head coach
Sherrone Moore had already positioned himself at the forefront of college football’s emerging head-coaching prospects, and the 2023 season solidified Michigan’s confidence in his readiness to take over from Jim Harbaugh.
As the sole offensive coordinator, Moore steered the team to a 14th-place finish in scoring offense during the season. Beyond the on-field performance, what underscored Moore’s suitability for the head-coaching role was his hands-on experience. Harbaugh’s suspension for the first three games of the 2023 season, a result of Michigan’s self-sanction following allegations of misleading NCAA investigators over recruiting violations in 2020, led to various coaches taking turns as interim head coach. Moore assumed the role and coached against Bowling Green in Week 3.
“I didn’t really think about it as something for me, as an opportunity for me,” Moore commented, as reported by The Athletic. “I just wanted to make sure I put us in the right position for us to win the football game.”
Later in the season, Michigan faced allegations of illegal sign-stealing, resulting in the Big Ten suspending Harbaugh for three games. Initially, Michigan planned to contest the suspension but eventually accepted it. This meant Harbaugh would be absent for crucial games against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State. Moore took on the interim head coach role for all three games, guiding the team to a notable 24-15 victory against Penn State on short notice. Following the game, a heartfelt message from Moore to Harbaugh went viral, showcasing the camaraderie and respect within the coaching staff.
"Coach Harbaugh… I love the sh*t out of you man. I did this for you!"
Sherrone Moore breaks into tears while speaking with @JennyTaft after the @UMichFootball's win vs Penn State pic.twitter.com/JJYPKyA2sM
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023
Following the challenging game against Maryland, where Michigan faced defensive struggles but managed to secure a 31-24 victory despite being outscored in the second half, the Wolverines, led by Sherrone Moore, triumphed over Ohio State for the third consecutive year. In a hard-fought battle, Michigan emerged victorious with a 30-24 win, sealing the Big Ten East title for the third consecutive season.
Jim Harbaugh, recognizing Moore’s pivotal role, hailed him as a “Michigan legend” after the Ohio State victory. Harbaugh expressed confidence in Moore’s decision-making under pressure, stating, “I knew when it came into the situations that he was the guy to empower to make those calls when the chips are on the line. I knew he would trust the guys.”
Moore resumed his roles as offensive coordinator and offensive lines coach for the Big Ten championship and the subsequent College Football Playoff. Michigan went on to complete an undefeated season, dominating Iowa in the championship, overcoming Alabama in overtime, and shutting down Washington to secure the national championship. The successful season underscored Moore’s leadership and strategic contributions to Michigan’s football program.
Sherrone Moore’s family
Sherrone Moore married his wife, Kelli, in 2015, and the couple has two daughters named Shiloh and Solei.
In a heartwarming gesture during the 2023 season opener when both Moore and Harbaugh were serving suspensions, Harbaugh visited the Moore family’s home to watch the game against East Carolina. Harbaugh recounted the experience, stating, “I said, ‘Hey, let’s watch the game together,’ and he said, ‘Why don’t you come over.'” The gathering at the Moore residence included Kelli, who prepared sandwiches, and the couple’s two daughters, as well as Harbaugh’s son Johnny. The occasion was marked by camaraderie and a good time, enhancing the strong bonds within the coaching staff.
Leave a Reply