Will Wolverines find a true 'Michigan Man' after latest scandal?

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A slow week turned into absolute chaos when Michigan fired its head coach, Sherrone Moore, on Wednesday for what it said was “an inappropriate relationship with a staff member." Hours later, Moore was detained and held in custody at the local county jail for an alleged assault. The firing means one of the most coveted jobs in all of college football is now open and the storied program is facing immediate consequences in terms of recruiting and its current players. 

Moore is expected to be arraigned on at least one assault charge, the nature of which is not known as of this writing. Moore is married with three children, and speculation is rampant that the alleged relationship was with a female staff member, which is not permitted under his contract, and is also the reason for the potential criminal charges. Thus, he was fired for cause. But Moore might be facing a lot more (no pun intended) than just the loss of his job. His family and freedom are clearly vulnerable right now as well.

Naturally, the first name thrown out there for this vacancy was Lane Kiffin, who simply could never be called a "Michigan Man." That term, which used to stand for loyalty to Michigan, integrity and love for the school, has suffered an overwhelming and permanent damage to its reputation.

Moore already was suspended by the NCAA for cheating and now this? Maybe bring back Jim Harbaugh who cleaned the last mess up by cheating as well. After all, at least he’s a “Michigan Man” through and through.

More than just a game

Army-Navy. Ordinarily, this game would receive all the attention of the college football media. It is the only Football Bowl Subdivision game specifically designated for this weekend, and it should be. It really doesn't matter where the game is or who is playing in it — it's about what the game means to everyone associated with it. Most importantly, even if you have no skin in the game, it symbolizes the character of all the young men and women fighting and protecting this country every day all over the world. 

For one day at least, maybe we can all be unified for the competitive spirit and passion this game represents. It doesn't matter who you are rooting for; it's about tradition, pageantry and love of country. I was fortunate to see all of that and the incredible military power on display in 2023 at Foxboro and it was breathtaking. The game itself is played in an atmosphere unlike anything you have ever seen. It's must-see television and it's a bucket list for anyone who sincerely loves this country.

This year, it's in Baltimore and expect another close game with Navy prevailing on a blocked punt. Or maybe Army recovering a fumble for a score. The point is, if you are not attached somewhere to either school or military branch, it doesn't matter. What does matter is watching the game and everything around it because it produces a feel-good response. The pregame activities dedicated to this country, the character exemplified from those on the field, in the stands or the spectators in attendance all contribute to a lifetime memory.

A special Heisman race

The Heisman Trophy finalists were announced and all are worthy candidates — running back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame and quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt and Julian Sayin of Ohio State. Love is the only non-quarterback and Sayin is the only freshman while Pavia is, in my mind, the most valuable player. 

Mendoza, by virtue of some of his timely throws against Ohio State's No. 1-rated defense in the Hoosiers' 13-10 Big Ten Championship victory, will be the winner. If you saw his interview after the game, you saw a young man all of us could be proud of — humble, appreciative, thankful to all his teammates, coaches and the fans. Most of all, he talked about the person who inspired him most and who taught him how to throw a football — his beautiful mother, Elsa, who struggles with multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair. You wouldn't know it by the enthusiasm and energy she shows and the love and bond her son showed for her on national television. I suggest all of you watch the ceremony on Saturday and you will be moved by the moment when Mendoza wins the Heisman and speaks to the world.

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Who will succeed Sherrone Mooer after latest scandal at Michigan?

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