2 Candidates Emerging for Michigan Head Coaching Job, Ex-Wolverines Star Says

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2 Candidates Emerging for Michigan Head Coaching Job, Ex-Wolverines Star Says

Key Points:

  • Michigan football fired Sherrone Moore
  • Fans and former players speculated
  • Two names were mentioned by a well-connected former player

Michigan football made the decision to move on without head coach Sherrone Moore for its bowl game and beyond this season after Moore was reportedly involved in an “inappropriate” relationship with a staffer according to official statements.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel made the move on Wednesday sending social media into a tizzy.

Following the news, Wolverines fans, former players and national media began speculating as to who the next head man will be with former UM offensive lineman Taylor Lewan among those expressing his opinions, on two possible, prime candidates who have emerged as names to watch.

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lewan Reacts to Moore Firing

Taylor Lewan is one of Michigan’s most visible former players and the host of the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, which he said Wednesday is in talks with the FanDuel Sports book for a new venture.

Lewan spoke about the Moore firing while walking through city streets as he shared his thoughts on the situation.

“Listen…I don’t know about the thing with the girl…All I’ll say is, Sherrone was always good to me…I hope for the best for him and his family,” Lewan said.

“The most important thing is the University of Michigan football team,” he added. “I’m hearing whispers about DeBoer…hearing whispers about Lincoln Riley,” Lewan added, calling for Michigan’s leadership to get its act together and hire a new coach in two weeks.

“I’d love for there to be a new head coach by Christmas,” Lewan said, adding that Michigan needs to prioritize its players and recruits.

“This is so important to make the right moves,” Lewan added. “We gotta support the (expletive) out of this (new coach) as much as possible,” Lewan said.

Michigan 2026 Title Hopes Still Alive?

Lewan added that he believes Michigan’s 2026 national title hopes are still alive, but Manuel and company must find the “head of this monster” in time to salvage the program and current collection of players going forward.

The Wolverines hired Moore after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL‘s Los Angeles Chargers, taking many of his best staff members with him including star defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and others.

Moore’s coaching tree didn’t come close to living up to Harbaugh’s but produced several notable names including Biff Poggi, who will likely coach the Citrus Bowl Dec. 31 against Texas, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and others.

Michigan now faces a hailstorm of uncertainty at a busy time of the season with the College Football Playoff and bowl season set to begin.

Riley and DeBoer are likely to be on fans’ short lists, but it will be tough for Michigan to pry either man away from USC and Alabama, two programs on a similar level in terms of their recent results.

Related: Charles Woodson’s Cryptic 5-Word Response to Sherrone Moore Firing

Related: 5 Instant Reactions to Sherrone Moore’s Shock Firing by Michigan Wolverines

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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