Report: Michigan has a replacement in mind for Jim Harbaugh
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A Michigan Wolverines football helmet sits on the field prior to the game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Harbaugh has left Michigan for the NFL just weeks after leading the Wolverines to the national championship. There are big shoes to fill at one of the premier football programs in the country, but Michigan may already have a favorite in mind for the job.
Numerous reporters have named Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore as the favorite to get the head coach job.
Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the significant favorite to be named the next head coach at Michigan, sources tell Yahoo Sports. The 37-year-old went 4-0 as an interim coach this season, including victories over Penn State and Ohio State.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) January 24, 2024
John U. Bacon, who often has information on Harbaugh and Michigan, describes Moore as a “lock” for the job because it’s something both Harbaugh and Michigan AD Warde Manuel want.
With Harbaugh going to the NFL:
-OC Sherrone Moore is a lock to become HC.
Both Harbaugh and Warde Manuel want that.
-DC Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh will likely join Harbaugh in LA.
-S&C coach Ben Herbert likely stays at UM, with most other assistants.
A new era has begun.— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 25, 2024
Moore served as Michigan’s acting head coach for four games this season while Harbaugh missed games due to disciplinary reasons. Moore went 4-0 in those games, including wins over rival Ohio State and at Penn State.
Moore has even reportedly been working on building a potential staff in the case that Harbaugh left for the NFL.
Presumed successor Sherrone Moore has made calls in recent weeks to fill his staff in preparation for Harbaugh’s departure https://t.co/ud1ddO87QJ
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 25, 2024
The 37-year-old Moore has been a coach on Michigan’s staff since 2018. He ascended from tight ends coach to co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, and he already has some game experience as a head coach.