Former Wolverines star quarterback Jim Harbaugh exceeded the expectations of Michigan fans when he took over as head coach of the football program. He ended Ohio State’s dominance in their series, turned Michigan into a dominant force in the Big Ten, and led the team to its first national title in almost 30 years.
However, after expressing interest in returning to the NFL for the past three years, Harbaugh is now meeting with NFL teams, starting with the Los Angeles Chargers. This raises the possibility that he may leave behind the storied program and one of the best jobs in college sports. If he leaves, the question is who will replace him.
One potential candidate is Wolverines offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore. Moore has been a strong candidate, particularly after showcasing his coaching abilities during the last month of the regular season. He is well-liked by the team and has had a significant impact on the program.
Another option is promoting from within, examples of which have led to positive results for other programs in the past. Alternatively, there are external candidates that Michigan may consider, such as Lance Leipold, Chris Klieman, and Brian Kelly.
The search for a new coach will need to consider various factors, including the ongoing NCAA investigation related to a sign-stealing scandal. Michigan may want to start over with a clean slate if any potential candidates are tied to the scandal.
The decision on who will replace Harbaugh will be a significant moment for the program, and the choice of a new coach will have a considerable impact on the team’s future.