In a rather unexpected development, he has found himself in one of the top positions in college football.
Michigan has let go of Sherrone Moore after an investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This has triggered a wave of speculation online and has prompted a search for a new coach late in the season. Biff Poggi has stepped in as interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas, and there’s an expectation that the Wolverines will swiftly commence their search for a permanent head coach.
So, who might be on their radar?
10. Marcus Freeman, HC, Notre Dame
The University of Michigan is likely to explore a wide range of candidates in its coaching search.
At this moment, Marcus Freeman seems to be a strong contender.
Notre Dame’s exit from the College Football Playoff has stirred some unrest in South Bend, with athletic director Pete Bevacqua accusing the ACC of undermining the program as the Selection Sunday approaches. Despite a petition being circulated, the anger remains palpable.
Could this create an opportunity for Freeman? His name has also been circulating in connection with future NFL roles. There were even whispers about him being a candidate for the Chicago Bears before they hired Ben Johnson, and now he’s been associated with the New York Giants.
But would he really consider moving to Michigan?
9. Matt Patricia, DC, Ohio
What if Michigan looks at a current Big Ten defensive coordinator with experience in the NFL?
Matt Patricia’s tenure as head coach of the Detroit Lions ended poorly, with a 13-29-1 record, lacking any winning seasons. However, he has since returned to coaching as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, where he has built a formidable defense.
Yet, simply having a strong defense may not suffice to take over Michigan. Still, his departure would negatively impact Ohio State’s staff, which could be beneficial for the Wolverines.
8. Brian Kelly, former HC, LSU
Right now, one concern in Ann Arbor is whether Coach Moore will lose the confidence of the current roster, especially starting quarterback Bryce Underwood. In a surprising twist, Michigan recently reversed its stance during the last recruiting cycle, allowing the nation’s top quarterback to start as a true freshman.
Ensuring he stays is essential in the upcoming weeks.
This raises the possibility of Brian Kelly.
After all, Underwood initially pledged to play for Kelly at LSU.
Could that make Kelly a viable candidate for Michigan? Hiring him could help retain Underwood, although some have raised concerns about Kelly’s past.
Nevertheless, Kelly has a proven track record in winning, recruiting, and player development. If he were hired, he would have the most wins among active coaches, with 297 to his name.
He’s definitely an appealing option, especially given the urgency of the hiring cycle.
7. Kenny Dillingham, HC, Arizona State University
Keeping Underwood remains a key focus.
As does fostering his progress.
If all goes well, Michigan could target Kenny Dillingham from Arizona State. Dillingham is regarded as one of the brightest offensive coaches in college football and has only three years of head coaching experience. Still, he guided Arizona State to the College Football Playoff and earned the Big 12 title last year.
Such a move would not only aid in retaining offensive talent but could also enhance Michigan’s passing game as they look to the future.
6. P.J. Fleck, HC, Minnesota
P.J. Fleck has had previous success at Michigan State, turning a struggling Western Michigan program into a winner, even achieving a 13-1 season that culminated in a Cotton Bowl appearance.
Now, can he replicate that success at Michigan State while actually being in Ann Arbor?
Fleck holds a strong record at Minnesota, with 65-44, leading to six bowl wins. He’s earned a reputation as a successful program builder across his coaching years and has solid connections throughout the Midwest, which should help in recruiting.
His extensive experience in the Big Ten certainly works in his favor as well.
5. Bryant Haynes, DC, Indiana
While it would be fantastic to hire Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, choosing someone from his staff might make more sense.
That brings us to Bryant Haynes. Like Patricia, Haynes has constructed one of the top defenses in the country. The timing of the Big Ten championship may also play to his advantage, as Indiana’s defense recently held Ohio State to just 10 points and limited their rushing yards significantly.
Haynes has been a defensive assistant his whole coaching career, but stepping into his first head coaching position at Michigan is quite the undertaking. Still, if the Wolverines are aiming for a rising coach focused on defense, he could be an excellent choice.
4. Jed Fisch, HC, Washington
Jed Fisch’s coaching career has taken him from the PK Young Developmental Institute to the Big Ten.
Could Michigan next be in line for him?
Fisch has previously spent time in Ann Arbor, serving as quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach, and passing game coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. After Mora was let go, Fisch became the interim head coach at UCLA before heading to the NFL, where he worked as an offensive assistant for the Rams and later as quarterbacks coach for the Patriots.
Eventually, he took the head coach role at Arizona, leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 record in his third season, and is now at Washington, where the Huskies are set for a bowl game after finishing 8-4 this season.
His extensive offensive experience and familiarity with the Big Ten could make him a fitting candidate for Michigan.
This season, Manny Diaz achieved notable success at Duke by capturing the ACC title.
Could he be in line for another significant role after this accomplishment?
Diaz previously coached Miami, where he had a record of 21-15 overall. His time there ended disappointingly, and he later joined James Franklin’s team at Penn State, where he developed one of the top defenses nationally.
He then moved to Duke, achieving a 17-9 record over the last two seasons.
Will that be enough to secure a chance at one of the sport’s top jobs? With his experience in the Big Ten and success in the South, Diaz has become a name to watch, resonating within the college football landscape.
Perhaps it will lead to more opportunities.
2. Jesse Minter, DC, Los Angeles Chargers
Jesse Minter’s name often emerges in discussions about potential candidates.
With ties to Ann Arbor and a successful stint as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, he guided Michigan’s championship defense this past year.
Following Harbaugh, he is now the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, contributing to a defense currently ranked within the league’s top tier.
However, there are concerns. Hiring Minter could mean bringing on someone associated with Harbaugh, which Michigan might want to avoid. Additionally, he has been under scrutiny due to a one-year show cause order for sending inappropriate messages.
That said, the timing could allow for him to make a smooth transition at season’s end.
And don’t forget the connection to Conor Stallion—while there’s no evidence linking Minter to Stallion’s actions, bringing it up may evoke unnecessary scrutiny.
1. Kalen DeBoer, HC, Alabama
This name has been trending at the top of many lists.
Kalen DeBoer has led Alabama to a record of 19-7 and a position in the College Football Playoff since taking over. But replacing a legendary figure is no walk in the park, and DeBoer has struggled to find his footing amid high expectations from Crimson Tide fans.
However, he has roots in the Midwest, having worked as an assistant in various capacities at Southern Illinois and Eastern Michigan, as well as serving as offensive coordinator at Indiana. If Alabama doesn’t feel right for him, Michigan might present a desirable landing spot.
