Warde Manuel faces a critical decision. Who will lead Michigan's championship quest amidst intense competition and a rapidly changing conference landscape?
The sudden departure of Sherrone Moore has thrust the Michigan Wolverines into a high-stakes and unexpectedly late coaching search. Athletic Director Warde Manuel must move swiftly to secure a leader capable of maintaining the program's elite status, especially as the Big Ten expands and the recruiting landscape intensifies. The ideal candidate will be a proven winner with a strong recruiting base or significant NFL experience, capable of instantly commanding respect.
Here are the top five candidates to become the next head football coach in Ann Arbor:
1. Kalen DeBoer (Head Coach, Alabama)
Despite his new position leading the Crimson Tide, Kalen DeBoer immediately becomes a top target. Prior to taking the Alabama job, reports indicated a mutual interest in the Michigan position when Jim Harbaugh's future was uncertain. DeBoer is a certified program builder with a prolific offensive mind, having delivered instant and historic success at Washington before moving to the SEC. His impressive record (19-7 at Alabama) and proven ability to lead a national contender make him the ultimate "big swing" for the Wolverines. Michigan’s blueblood status and financial resources could tempt him, making him the dark horse favorite if Alabama's situation becomes uncomfortable or the price is right.
2. Jesse Minter (Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers)
The most familiar and perhaps safest option is Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter was the defensive architect under Harbaugh, leading Michigan's defense during their most dominant run, including the 2023 National Championship. He understands the "Michigan Man" culture, the rivalry with Ohio State, and the Big Ten landscape. An internal-track candidate, he offers a level of continuity that would help stabilize the current roster and recruiting class. While his head-coaching experience is limited to interim roles, his defensive acumen and ties to the program make him a highly plausible choice.
3. Jedd Fisch (Head Coach, Washington)
Jedd Fisch is another former Harbaugh staffer whose star power has dramatically risen. After successful stints at Arizona and now Washington, Fisch has proven he can rebuild and quickly elevate a program. He served as Michigan’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator from 2015-2016. His offensive expertise and strong track record with NFL-caliber quarterback development are precisely what the Wolverines need to evolve their offense. His recruiting success, especially on the West Coast, is a significant asset, though convincing him to leave a strong Pac-12 program (especially one he just built) for a Big Ten challenge would be tough.
4. Jeff Brohm (Head Coach, Louisville)
A successful head coach with a proven history in the Midwest, Jeff Brohm is an attractive option for his consistent program-building and offensive flair. Brohm has found success at Western Kentucky, Purdue, and currently his alma mater, Louisville, boasting multiple 10-win seasons and a knack for dynamic offensive schemes. He understands the Big Ten from his time at Purdue, which is a major advantage. While he is deeply tied to Louisville, the prestige and resources of the Michigan job could be enough to pull the veteran coach north to Ann Arbor.
5. Kenny Dillingham (Head Coach, Arizona State)
The youngest and most dynamic name on the list is Kenny Dillingham, the head coach at Arizona State. Dillingham is a phenomenal offensive mind and recruiter, having engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history at his alma mater, taking the Sun Devils from a 3-win team to an 11-win program and Big 12 co-champion in just his second season. He is viewed nationally as one of the best coaches at handling the modern-day challenges of NIL and the transfer portal. His reputation for elite quarterback development makes him a perfect fit for securing and maximizing Michigan’s future talent, particularly five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. This would be a high-energy, splash hire signaling a clear move toward a modern, high-powered offense.