Jake Butt Names Most Important Factor in Michigan Coaching Search
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Key Points:
- Michigan’s coaching search continues
- The Wolverines play Texas Dec. 31
- Jake Butt named the most important factor
The Michigan Wolverines are searching for a new leader after the firing of former head coach Sherrone Moore with Biff Poggi scheduled to lead the team into the December 31 Citrus Bowl vs. Texas.
Michigan’s coaching search has conjured up big names including Kalen DeBoer, Kenny Dillingham, Jesse Minter and several others with Washington head coach Jedd Fisch listed as the favorite most recently.
On Monday night, former Michigan star and former All-American tight end Jake Butt named what he believes is the most important factor in the Wolverines’ coaching search with fans growing restless and a fog of confusion hanging over the process.
Butt Names Top Priority in Coaching Search
Jake Butt rattled off a long post about the Wolverines’ coaching search during which he named the most important priority.
“Talking with a friend and it made me think…The single most important trait for Michigan is alignment,” Butt said. “The entire team, program and institution need to be moving in the same direction.
“With commitment to the same person.”
Did Butt Rule Out Jesse Minter Return?
Butt added that he believes Michigan should make a complete break from the past, a strong statement considering Wolverines fans’ wishes for former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s return.
Minter serves in the same position for Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
“You also have to ensure the next HC is an inspiring and strong leader, to the point that there will be no factions above or below him,” Butt added.
“It cannot be a situation where half (of the) decision makers wanted one and the other half the other. The next coach needs to inspire complete and total buy in,” Butt said.
A ‘Springboard’ to College Football Playoffs?
Butt added that the Wolverines’ choice of head coach could be a “springboard” to College Football Playoff contention.
The Wolverines had one of the youngest teams in college football this season and need an effective leader and strategist to keep the team united and focused headed into 2026.
“Now the promise is…If there is complete and total buy in…It would be virtually impossible to lose at Michigan. That’s why the job is so attractive. It’s why many will desire but few will be chosen for the HC job,” Butt said.
“If you get the hire right, Michigan will spring board to a CFP contender on a year-in, year-out basis. Crazy to think they were flirting with that already,” he continued.
Butt said the totality of the picture goes beyond X’s and O’s.
“Get the hire right, ensure all shadows are brought to light, and get the entire power of the block M moving in one direction and we will see Michigan live to its full potential,” Butt added.
“It goes beyond X’s and O’s at Michigan. The next coach has to understand that. The hiring process should reflect that,” he concluded.
Related: Biff Poggi Sends Strong Willed Message to Fans Amid Sherrone Moore Scandal
Related: Dave Portnoy Put on Blast by Urban Meyer Over Unpaid Michigan-Ohio State Bet
Related: Sherrone Moore’s Post About Wife Kelli Moore Resurfaces
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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