Michigan Shows Up Late To The Coaching Carousel….Now What?

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The tumultuous cycle of scandal at the University of Michigan football program continues, as the university announced the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. The abrupt termination, which came just days after Moore discussed the team's new recruiting class and upcoming bowl game, has thrust one of college football's most storied programs into a late-cycle coaching search.

Athletic Director Warde Manuel confirmed in a statement that Moore was "terminated, with cause, effective immediately." The decision followed a university investigation that found "credible evidence" the coach engaged in an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member." The statement emphasized that this conduct constitutes a "clear violation of university policy," which maintains "zero tolerance for such behavior." The firing for cause means the university can avoid the seven- or eight-figure buyout that often accompanies coaching changes.

Moore, 39, succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL, and was an integral part of the staff that won the 2023 National Championship. Despite the Wolverines not reaching the same high-water mark, Moore's two seasons as head coach saw the team post an 8-5 record in his first full season and a 9-3 finish in his second. The program now faces a difficult bowl game against Texas with associate head coach Biff Poggi named the interim coach, a situation that is uncomfortably familiar for Michigan fans, as Poggi also filled in for Moore earlier in the season during a separate suspension related to the sign-stealing scandal.

In a serious development hours after his firing, authorities detained Moore in Pittsfield Township after responding to a call to investigate an "alleged assault." Moore was taken into custody and was lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending a review of charges by the county prosecutor.

Candidates Emerge in Late-Cycle Coaching Search

The timing of the vacancy presents a significant challenge for Michigan, as many major coaching positions across the country have already been filled. However, Michigan is still considered one of the nation's top jobs, guaranteeing that many top coaches will at least take the call. The new coach will not only face the pressure of winning but also of rehabilitating the program's tarnished reputation after a string of highly publicized incidents.

Several names have emerged as potential candidates in what will be a closely watched search:

  • Brian Kelly (Former Head Coach, LSU): Kelly is a proven coach with significant experience in the Big Ten landscape from his time at Notre Dame. He is currently without a job after being fired from LSU in October, and his resume includes developing champions and competing in the College Football Playoff.
  • Jesse Minter (Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers): Minter, a former Michigan defensive coordinator under Harbaugh, is viewed as a possible internal candidate, despite currently being with the Chargers. He led a defense that was praised for being "unstoppable" and would have an advocate in his current boss, Jim Harbaugh.
  • Kalen DeBoer (Head Coach, Alabama): DeBoer, who has consistently been linked to high-profile jobs, remains a top option. While the move would be difficult, the resources and prestige of the Michigan job could tempt him.
  • Jedd Fisch (Head Coach, Washington): Fisch is another Power 4 head coach mentioned in the initial flurry of speculation as a viable candidate.
  • Lance Leipold (Head Coach, Kansas): Leipold, who has experience in rebuilding programs, is being mentioned by analysts as a possible fit.
  • PJ Fleck (Head Coach, Minnesota): Fleck, who currently coaches within the Big Ten, has also been placed on betting odds lists as a potential candidate.

The hiring of a new head coach will be critical, as the program attempts to stabilize its leadership and minimize the impact on recruiting, particularly with the transfer portal wide open.

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