Paul Finebaum Sounds Off on the Michigan Head Coach Opening
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Michigan Wolverines are searching for a new head coach after firing Sherrone Moore during his second season.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that a university investigation uncovered credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship involving Moore and a staff member, which led to his termination. Following this, Moore was arrested by the police for alleged assault. He now faces charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering.
Since Moore’s firing, several prominent coaches have been mentioned as potential candidates to take over the position. One of these candidates was Kenny Dillingham, the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils. However, it seems he is no longer in contention after reportedly signing a contract extension with Arizona State.
This prompted ESPN’s Paul Finebaum and Matt Barrie to question the quality of the Michigan job on “The Matt Barrie Show.”
“Why would anybody want that job?” Finebaum questioned.
“I’ve been saying it all week, I get it, it’s resourced, and when clicking, it’s one of the best jobs in the country,” Barrie said. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes right now, Paul. I mean, this goes back to the [Jim] Harbaugh era when they got caught for the stealing signs scandal. Then you’ve got this head coaching scandal. … When it’s clicking, it’s one of the top jobs in the country, but that’s just not the case right now.”
The discussion surrounding Michigan’s coaching vacancy has shifted noticeably in tone. What was once considered one of the most desirable jobs in college football is now being openly questioned by national voices. From the sign-stealing fallout during the Harbaugh era to the abrupt firing of Moore, the consensus forming among analysts is that the Michigan brand is dealing with uncommon turbulence.
The removal of Dillingham from the candidate pool only intensified that scrutiny. With Arizona State reportedly locking up its head coach via a contract extension, Michigan appears to be losing traction with upward-moving candidates. Barrie acknowledged that the Wolverines remain heavily resourced and capable of competing at the highest level, but emphasized that perception matters in the modern coaching carousel. In an era defined by stability, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) clarity and administrative trust, uncertainty behind the scenes can quickly diminish a job’s appeal.
Looking ahead, Michigan’s next steps may prove as important as the eventual hire. Reestablishing confidence among coaches, recruits and the broader college football community will be critical as the program attempts to reset. Until that happens, the Wolverines may continue to face an unfamiliar reality, being questioned not for their ceiling, but for whether the job is worth taking at all.
Related: New Favorite Emerges to Replace Sherrone Moore at Michigan
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos