The Michigan Wolverines could be turning to the NFL for their next head coach, but it isn't who you'd expect
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It’s been a chaotic last two weeks leading up to Christmas for the Michigan Wolverines. The explosive Sherrone Moore story kickstarted a coaching search that has been best described as a roller coaster thus far.
The Wolverines have had multiple candidates eliminated from their search for the next leader of the program, both by their own volition and through outside circumstances. They swore they would run an ambitious search to find their next head coach, and it seems like they are trying not to leave any stone unturned after today’s latest intel.
Could Todd Monken return to college football?
On Christmas Eve, FootballScoop has reported that the Wolverines have added a new name to their search: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“Multiple sources, at both the collegiate and NFL levels, shared with FootballScoop Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night that Michigan had begun vetting current Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and intended to speak this week with Monken.”
Monken, a former head coach at Southern Miss, has an established track record as an offensive guru over his career at stops in college and in the NFL. He helped Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs program win back-to-back national championships a few years ago as their offensive coordinator and guided Lamar Jackson to another MVP campaign in 2023.
The Wolverines have been linked to NFL coaches like Jesse Minter and Adam Stenavich, but sources say Minter has withdrawn from the search as he focuses on the NFL, while Stenavich hasn’t gained much traction in the search as it stands right now.
Monken could be good for Bryce Underwood
Michigan has wanted their next head coach to be instrumental in the development of Bryce Underwood. Not only do they need to keep Underwood from transferring, they also need to find ways to develop him to deliver on his five-star status with the program and elevate them into a national championship contender.
I’d say Monken’s reputation would be a good starting point for Underwood. Not only has Monken been instrumental with Lamar Jackson in the NFL, he also improved Stetson Bennett year over year at Georgia as well as Brandon Weeden at Oklahoma State and Nick Mullens at Southern Miss in the collegiate ranks.
He’s well-connected and well-respected across the country, which means he’d likely be able to put together a strong staff, especially with the resources Michigan could offer in terms of salary.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel told players he wanted a head coach in place by Christmas. While that timeline doesn’t seem to be accurate as it stands right now, it’s starting to feel like the search is winding down ahead of the new year.
We’ll see how it goes in the coming days.
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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