The college football world was rocked when Michigan unexpectedly fired head coach Sherrone Moore following allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” with a staffer. The timing could not have been worse for the Wolverines, who now find themselves searching for a new leader after the coaching carousel has already slowed down and most major candidates are off the board.
For now, Michigan has turned to Biff Poggi as the interim head coach, the same role he held earlier in the season during Moore’s two-game suspension. But interim stability won’t last long. A national brand like Michigan will swing for a major hire.
Things in college football are about to get wild.
Here are five candidates who could replace Moore and lead the Wolverines into a new era.
If Michigan wants the best name available, this is the one.
Kalen DeBoer, 51, has been one of the hottest names in coaching, and he likely would have been Michigan’s top target had Jim Harbaugh left even a year earlier. DeBoer has deep Midwest ties, having served as Eastern Michigan’s offensive coordinator (2014–16) just minutes from Ann Arbor, plus Big Ten experience as Indiana’s OC in 2019.
His résumé speaks for itself:
- 56–16 career record as an FBS head coach
- CFP appearances with Washington (2023) and Alabama (2024)
- National championship runner-up in 2023, losing to Michigan
DeBoer is proven, adaptable, and elite at program-building.
Why he makes sense for Michigan:
The pressure of replacing Nick Saban at Alabama has been intense, and the noise is getting louder. A fresh start at a blue-blood program with less SEC madness could be appealing. If Michigan lands DeBoer, the search might end right then and there.
Minter is the definition of continuity and a familiar face.
The former Wolverine defensive coordinator worked under Jim Harbaugh in 2022 and 2023, helping build the defensive identity that carried Michigan to its national title run. He was a Broyles Award finalist and a major architect of the elite Michigan defenses that dominated the Big Ten.
Now, the DC for the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh, Minter has boosted his stock even higher.
His résumé includes:
- Successful stops in both the NFL and college football
- Strong schematic mind with an NFL-level approach
- Deep familiarity with Michigan’s culture and expectations
- Leading the 2025 Chargers defense to an 81.7 (7th best in NFL) PFSN impact grade.
Yes, Minter received a one-year show-cause penalty for recruiting violations tied to the Connor Stalions era, but Michigan may be willing to look past that to restore the identity that delivered a championship. His inexperience as a head coach might be his only notable flaw at present.
Why he makes sense:
If Michigan wants to maintain the Harbaugh-era DNA, Minter is the cleanest choice. He knows Ann Arbor, knows the Big Ten, and knows the blueprint for winning at Michigan.
Arguably, the most underrated name in the search.
Fisch, 49, has coached nearly everywhere at both the college and NFL levels, including a stint at Michigan in 2015–16, coaching quarterbacks and receivers. He rebuilt Arizona into a 10-win program and has steadily guided Washington into consecutive bowl appearances after arriving in 2024.
But beyond résumé, Fisch brings what Michigan needs most:
- Elite offensive balance
- Ability to develop quarterbacks
- Creativity without abandoning physicality
- Program builder with limited resources
His Washington Huskies posted a PFSN offensive team impact grade of 90.7, 5th best in the country. His offense blends run and pass better than nearly anyone, giving Michigan the identity it has lacked since Harbaugh left.
Why he makes sense:
Fisch is connected, respected, and capable of assembling a top-tier staff. Additionally, he can bring transfer portal talent with him, thanks to his extensive connections and roster-building experience at Washington. Michigan needs stability with adaptability. Fisch offers both.
Go big or go home.
Lincoln Riley is the splash hire, the kind Michigan fans would talk about for decades. While pulling him from USC won’t be easy, whispers around the industry suggest that Riley might be gettable for the right price and the right opportunity.
Few coaches can match Riley’s offensive mind:
- PFSN offensive grade: 91.0 (4th nationally)
- Renowned QB developer
- Master at maximizing skill talent
His latest project, quarterback Jayden Maiava, posted a 93.0 impact grade, 3rd best in the nation behind only Fernando Mendoza and Diego Pavia. Riley’s track record with quarterbacks is unmatched, and that could be appealing with Michigan’s QB talent on the roster, having arguably one of the most physically gifted Freshman QB in college football, Bryce Underwood.
Why he makes sense:
Michigan has invested heavily in recruiting top-level quarterbacks. Riley wouldn’t question Michigan’s NIL commitment, and the Wolverines might finally unlock a true offensive powerhouse under his guidance.
The wild card.
It would be almost poetic: one Harbaugh leaves, another takes his place.
This possibility relies entirely on Baltimore and John Harbaugh parting ways, which is not guaranteed but not impossible, given the Ravens’ struggles this season.
John Harbaugh is one of the most respected coaches in football, an elite leader, and a culture-builder. While he has never coached college football as a head coach, the transition could be intriguing for both sides.
Why he makes sense:
He knows Michigan through Jim’s era, understands the culture, and has the leadership profile to command instant respect. With the right staff around him, he could replicate the Harbaugh revival.
Michigan’s firing of Sherrone Moore has thrown the Wolverines into one of the strangest, most high-profile coaching searches in years. With the timing working against them, Michigan may need to get creative and aggressive.
Whether Michigan targets a proven program-builder like DeBoer, a continuity option like Minter, an underrated offensive mind like Fisch, an offensive superstar like Riley, or the wild-card splash in John Harbaugh, the Wolverines are preparing for one of the biggest decisions in school history.
Things are about to get wild in Ann Arbor. And college football is watching.
