The Michigan Wolverines are in need of a new head coach following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Harbaugh’s move to the NFL was not entirely unexpected, considering his longstanding interest in the league and his recent success in leading Michigan to their first national championship in nearly three decades, it has created a significant void in the college football coaching hierarchy.
The primary question now is, who will fill the prestigious position? There are speculations that the university might consider promoting someone from within the program. However, just in case they opt for an external candidate, here is a list of individuals whose names are being discussed as potential successors. (UPDATE: Moore has been appointed as their new head coach!)
Sherrone Moore
The logical and likely choice for the head coaching position appears to be assistant coach Sherrone Moore, with favorable odds that he will secure the job. Moore demonstrated his capability by leading the Wolverines to a 4-0 record during Harbaugh’s two suspensions, showcasing his ability to keep the team on course and, importantly, secure victories. Selecting Moore would be a prudent decision for the university, serving as a proactive measure to prevent any potential decline in performance.
However, it’s worth considering that Moore may have reservations about accepting the position. One possible concern could be the uncertainty surrounding the NCAA’s potential consequences for Harbaugh’s actions, and Moore might not want to inherit any fallout from the situation. In such a scenario, the university may need to have a contingency plan in place for an alternative candidate.
Brian Kelly
One name that emerged in the midst of rumors surrounding Harbaugh’s departure is Brian Kelly. Speculation is rife that Kelly would swiftly leave LSU for the Michigan coaching position if it were to become available. Many believe that he could be an ideal fit for the Wolverines, given his strong track record in recruiting the region and his adept handling of high-profile head coaching roles. Kelly notably led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff and achieved success with LSU by winning the SEC West in 2022. While the departure of Nick Saban may lessen the competition, the imminent arrival of Oklahoma and Texas could pose new challenges for Kelly at LSU. This transitional period might present the opportune moment for Kelly to consider making a move to Michigan.
Urban Meyer
While highly unlikely, it would be ironic if Urban Meyer were to follow in the footsteps of Nick Saban and switch allegiances from one rival Big Ten school to another. The chances of this scenario are slim, but in the unpredictable world of college football, one should never rule out unexpected twists. Meyer, with his proven track record of bringing stability to programs and being regarded as one of the greatest football coaches, could potentially continue his legacy at Michigan. His ability to secure championships and excel in recruiting would make it a mutually beneficial arrangement, even though it would undoubtedly create a peculiar and awkward situation, especially with his ties to Ohio State. However, Meyer seems content in retirement, and his current commitments in the studio suggest he is not inclined to make such a move at this time.
Lane Kiffin
While it would be a bold move, Michigan might consider exploring the possibility of hiring Lane Kiffin. Although Kiffin hasn’t secured a championship yet, he has positioned Ole Miss as a contender for the College Football Playoff in the coming year. However, the success he’s building at Ole Miss might make him hesitant to leave. Nevertheless, it could be worthwhile for Michigan to gauge his interest.
Kiffin brings a national championship experience as an assistant at Alabama and has elevated Ole Miss to new heights. On the flip side, his outspoken and brash style might not align with the more traditional culture of the Michigan administration and the relatively uptight atmosphere in Ann Arbor. Despite these potential differences in style and culture, the allure of a compelling financial offer could still make a difference in Kiffin’s decision-making, as money often plays a significant role in coaching transitions.
Joe Brady
Joe Brady has become one of the most sought-after names in football, serving as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and orchestrating a highly potent NFL offense. His success has garnered attention from various teams and schools. Despite not having prior experience as a head coach, Brady started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Penn State, showcasing familiarity with the Big Ten. His notable achievement includes winning a national championship as the offensive coordinator with the LSU Tigers in 2019, where he played a pivotal role in transforming Joe Burrow into a star quarterback.
While Brady has established himself as a quarterback guru and has undoubtedly made an impact in the NFL, the question remains whether he would be willing to relinquish his current position for a college coaching role. Given his success, he may soon have opportunities to choose from multiple NFL head coaching positions. The allure of a head coaching role in college football could be enticing, but Brady’s decision may ultimately hinge on the specific offers and opportunities that unfold in both the collegiate and professional ranks.
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