The Michigan Wolverines are now searching for a new head coach.
On Wednesday, Michigan fired HC Sherrone Moore before it plays the Texas Longhorns in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 31. In a statement, the school confirmed that it found “credible evidence” that Moore had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member (h/t NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach). Biff Poggi, meanwhile, has been named interim HC for the Wolverines.
Moore’s firing comes at a terrible time for the Wolverines, as many top coaches, including Lane Kiffin (LSU Tigers), have accepted jobs at other schools. However, Michigan — a traditional powerhouse — should attract many candidates. With that in mind, here are five who could replace Moore.
Poaching DeBoer, who’s in his second season with the Crimson Tide, would be a big swing for the Wolverines, but that’s reportedly not going to stop them from trying. Shortly after Michigan fired Moore, On3’s Pete Nakos reported the Alabama coach will be a “factor” in its coaching search.
Landing DeBoer would be a massive win for Michigan. Over the past four seasons, he has led Alabama and the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff. Just as importantly for the Wolverines, he’s a QB whisperer.
Under DeBoer, former Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. (now with the Atlanta Falcons) finished second in 2023 Heisman voting behind former LSU QB Jayden Daniels (now a Washington Commanders star). Surely, the HC could help Michigan QB Bryce Underwood — a former five-star recruit — reach his ceiling.
Luring DeBoer away from Alabama still feels like a pipe dream for Michigan. Amid rumors linking him to other jobs, the coach made it clear he plans to stay with the SEC powerhouse.
Brian Kelly
Kelly’s reputation may be at an all-time low. LSU fired him in October after a 5-3 start. Some former players also spoke ill of him after his departure.
But Kelly is a proven commodity. While he served as Notre Dame Fighting Irish HC from 2010-21, he led the school to two College Football Playoff appearances and the BCS National Championship Game during the 2012 season. In four seasons with LSU, he went 34-14.
Michigan fans may not be thrilled with bringing Kelly on board, but he’s one of the better options at this point in the hiring cycle.
After making the CFP during the 2024 season, Arizona State backslid, going 8-4. However, Dillingham has done a solid job in three seasons with the program, posting a 22-16 record.
He clearly has an eye for talent. Before the 2023 season, he landed former Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the transfer portal. He’s now tied for 10th in program history in touchdown catches (18) and could be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tankathon’s latest mock draft has the New York Jets selecting the WR with pick No. 7.
Dillingham could land more stars at Michigan, a program with better resources than Arizona State.
Fisch has some ties to the program. He was an offensive assistant for former Wolverines HC Jim Harbaugh from 2015-16.
Fisch has never led a program to the CFP or conference title, but he has proved he can turn around a program quickly. In his final season with the Arizona Wildcats in 2023, he went 10-3 after the team won one game in his first season in 2021. This season, he guided the Huskies to an 8-4 record, helping them clinch a spot in the Bucked Up L.A. Bowl against the Boise State Broncos on Saturday.
He could also install an explosive offense that would make Michigan much more enjoyable to watch. The Huskies rank fifth in the Big Ten in yards gained (414.5) and points scored (33.8).
In April, Minter received a one-year show-cause penalty for recruiting violations while he served as Michigan’s DC from 2022-23. He also worked closely with former staffer Connor Stalions, who spearheaded the school’s sign-stealing scandal from 2021-23.
Michigan, however, may be willing to overlook his checkered past. Minter is considered an ascending coordinator. After 14 weeks of the NFL season, the Chargers are tied for ninth in the league in points allowed (20.8).
Michigan alumni would be willing to back a coach who played an important role in helping the school win its 10th national championship in 2023. That season, the Wolverines allowed the fewest points in the FBS (10.4).
