In the high-stakes game of college football musical chairs, two of the sport’s biggest brands find themselves in very different positions this December. While Arizona State has successfully locked down its rising star, Kenny Dillingham, the Michigan Wolverines remain in a high-pressure search for a new leader following the abrupt firing of Sherrone Moore.  

Dillingham Stays Home in Tempe

For Arizona State fans, the anxiety of potentially losing their "hometown hero" ended on December 20, 2025. Despite intense rumors linking him to the Michigan vacancy, Kenny Dillingham signed a massive five-year extension that effectively removes him from the coaching carousel.  

The deal is a significant statement of intent from the Sun Devils' administration. Key details of the agreement include:

• Compensation: An average annual salary of nearly $7.5 million.

• Resource Commitment: An $11 million salary pool for assistant coaches, placing ASU near the top of the Big 12.

• Longevity: While state law limits contracts to five years, creative incentives allow for rollovers that could keep him in Tempe for up to a decade.  

Dillingham, an ASU alumnus who led the program to a Big 12 title in 2024 and a College Football Playoff berth, has consistently emphasized his emotional tie to the university. By securing this extension, ASU has not only rewarded his 22–16 record but also signaled that they are ready to compete financially with the blue bloods of the Big Ten and SEC.  

The Void in Ann Arbor

While Tempe celebrates stability, Ann Arbor is a whirlwind of speculation. Michigan fired Sherrone Moore on December 10, 2025, "for cause" following an internal investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a staff member. The timing is precarious; the transfer portal window opens in early January, and the program is desperate to retain five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.  

With Dillingham officially off the board, Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel’s list has narrowed. Here are the primary candidates still in the mix:

1. Kalen DeBoer (Alabama)

DeBoer remains the "white whale" for the Wolverines. Though he is currently preparing Alabama for a College Football Playoff semifinal on December 31, reports suggest Michigan is willing to wait. However, the logistics are messy; if Alabama continues to win, Michigan may not have a coach until mid-January—a delay that could lead to a roster exodus.

2. Jesse Minter (LA Chargers DC)

The architect of Michigan’s 2023 National Championship defense is a fan favorite. His "show-cause" penalty from the NCAA’s previous investigations is set to expire on December 31, 2025, making a New Year's Day hiring theoretically possible. Minter offers the most continuity, though he would have to be lured away from the NFL.

3. Jedd Fisch (Washington)

Fisch has deep ties to Michigan as a former assistant under Jim Harbaugh. After a successful turnaround at Arizona and a solid debut season at Washington, he is viewed as a high-floor candidate who understands the "Michigan Man" culture while bringing modern offensive flair.  

4. Clark Lea (Vanderbilt)

The SEC Coach of the Year is a wildcard. Lea recently signed an extension at Vanderbilt, but his disciplined, defensive-minded approach aligns with the identity Michigan has built over the last four years.

The Road Ahead

Michigan officials have reportedly set a target date of January 1st to name their new coach. As the clock ticks down, the pressure is mounting to find a leader who can navigate both the NCAA's lingering scrutiny and the fiercely competitive NIL landscape.