Wolverines Target Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham to Replace Sherrone Moore

Breaking: Michigan accelerates coaching search after Moore dismissal

The Michigan program moved swiftly two weeks after parting ways with head coach Sherrone Moore, appointing Biff Poggi as interim head coach for the bowl game against Texas as the search for a permanent successor heats up.

Three frontrunners take center stage

Inside sources say the wolverines have narrowed their focus to three leading candidates: Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri, Jedd Fisch of washington, and Kyle Whittingham, the Utah coach whose long tenure may soon come to a close.

Analysts on national television indicated Michigan has begun early talks with a group of candidates and does not expect a hire this week or soon after the Christmas holiday. The message from pundits has been clear: a thoughtful, deliberate process is underway rather than a rushed decision.

While Drinkwitz and Fisch are widely viewed as offensive-minded architects who could adapt to Michigan’s traditions, Whittingham brings a track record of stability and program building. The trio has emerged as the primary focal points for athletic leadership as the program weighs the next era.

Buzz around other names

Speculation has also swirled around Louisville’s Jeff Brohm. However, sources say Brohm was not part of the initial list Michigan discussed and could be explored later if conversations deepen.

Context and stakes for Michigan

The program last claimed a national title in 2023 under Jim Harbaugh. Since Harbaugh’s departure, Michigan has yet to return to the Collage Football Playoff, a reality that adds pressure on athletic director Warde Manuel to navigate a careful, high-stakes hire. The decision will shape recruiting momentum, recruiting class quality, and the team’s on-field identity in the coming years.

Candidate snapshots at a glance

Candidate	Current Team	Status	Potential Fit
Eli Drinkwitz	Missouri	front-running target	Proven recruiter and offensive mind; familiarity with high-pressure programs.
Jedd Fisch	Washington	front-running target	Offensive innovator with PAC-12 and Big Ten connections; adaptable to Michigan’s culture.
Kyle Whittingham	utah	Longtime candidate; nearing departure	Stability and program-building résumé; experience sustaining success in competitive leagues.
Jeff Brohm	Louisville	not on initial list; later discussions possible	Proven quarterback developer with offensive versatility; potential late bid.

Evergreen takeaways for future coaching searches

Colorado-style patience in a coaching change often yields long-term stability more than quick name-value hires. Michigan’s approach signals a preference for candidates who can blend strong recruiting, offensive and defensive adaptability, and a clear vision for sustaining elite competition in a historically demanding conference.

As programs frequently recalibrate after leadership changes, the most impactful hires tend to combine proven leadership with a plan for recruiting continuity, staff cohesion, and a culture that aligns with Michigan’s traditions and expectations.

Reader questions

Which candidate do you believe would best fit Michigan’s culture and program goals, and why?

Should the university prioritize immediate bowl-game performance or long-term stability when selecting the next head coach?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

Brings to Michigan

.Background: Sherrone Moore’s Departure and the Michigan Coaching Search

• After the 2025 regular season, Sherrone Moore announced his resignation amid growing pressure from alumni and boosters.
• The Wolverines opened the offseason with a “coaching audit,” citing “need for fresh perspective” and “long‑term stability.”
• Michigan’s athletic director confirmed that the search will prioritize candidates with Bowl‑level success, player‑advancement track records, and the ability to navigate the evolving NCAA transfer market.

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Why Michigan Is Eyeing Candidates Outside the Big Ten

Reason	How It Benefits Michigan
Fresh tactical ideas	allows the Wolverines to break from the conventional “mid‑west” schematics that dominated the last decade.
Broader recruiting footprint	Coaches from the SEC, Pac‑12, and mountain West bring established pipelines on the coasts and in the Southwest.
Proven program builders	Candidates who have taken “underdog” teams to national relevance demonstrate the ability to elevate Michigan’s brand.
Cultural fit	An outsider can reinforce a “head‑coach‑frist” environment, aligning with Michigan’s emphasis on academic excellence and community outreach.

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Eli Drinkwitz – Missouri (offensive Visionary)

Current Role: Head Coach,Missouri Tigers (SEC)

Key Achievements (2022‑2025):

1. Three consecutive top‑10 offensive rankings in the SEC.
2. 2024 Fiesta Bowl win – first major bowl victory for Missouri as 2015.
3. Developed four first‑round NFL draft picks on the offensive side of the ball.

What Drinkwitz Brings to Michigan

• Spread‑run hybrid that maximizes speed and space – aligns with Michigan’s current talent pool of explosive receivers and a mobile quarterback.
• Analytics‑driven play‑calling, leveraging player‑tracking data to exploit mismatches.
• Recruiting foothold in the Midwest & South, especially in texas and Florida, where Missouri’s recent pipelines have flourished.

Potential Concerns

• Limited experience coaching a defensive‑heavy big Ten schedule.
• Adjusting from SEC’s 12‑game season to Michigan’s 13‑game with conference championship demands extra stamina management.

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Jedd Fisch – Washington (Defensive Architect)

Current Role: Defensive Coordinator, Washington Huskies (Pac‑12)

Key Achievements (2021‑2025):

1. Crafted a top‑5 national defense in 2023, allowing just 15.8 points per game.
2. Developed multiple All‑America linebackers who became NFL First‑Round picks.
3. Implemented a hybrid 4‑2‑5/3‑4 scheme that adapts fluidly to opponent tendencies.

What Fisch Brings to Michigan

• Versatile defensive schemes that can counter both high‑powered SEC offenses and customary Big ten power‑run attacks.
• Strong player‑development focus, particularly with linebackers and secondary talent-areas where Michigan has sought enhancement.
• Pacific Northwest recruiting ties, tapping into California, Oregon, and Washington talent pools that are under‑represented in the Big Ten.

potential Concerns

• No prior head‑coaching experience; the transition to managing an entire program may require a steep learning curve.
• Will need to assemble a capable offensive staff to balance his defensive expertise.

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Kyle Whittingham – Utah (Consistent Performer)

current Role: Head Coach, Utah Utes (Mountain West/now Pac‑12)

Key Achievements (2004‑2025):

1. Five conference championships across two leagues.
2. Guided Utah to four New Year’s Six bowl appearances, including a 2022 Rose Bowl win.
3. Maintained consistently top‑20 recruiting classes despite geographic constraints.

What Whittingham Brings to Michigan

• Defensive robustness: His teams rank in the top‑10 nationally for rushing defense each season.
• Program stability: 22‑year tenure demonstrates loyalty, a trait prized by Michigan’s governance after recent turnover.
• Cultural alignment: Emphasis on discipline, academic achievement, and community service mirrors Michigan’s institutional values.

Potential Concerns

• Offensive ideology is run‑heavy, which may require adaptation to Michigan’s modern pass‑first roster.
• Predominant experience in the Mountain West/Pac‑12; the intensity of the Big Ten could pose a tactical adjustment.

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Comparative Analysis: Coaching Styles & Fit

Attribute	Eli Drinkwitz	Jedd Fisch	Kyle Whittingham
Primary Focus	offensive innovation	Defensive schematics	Balanced, defense‑first
Typical Scheme	Spread‑run hybrid	Hybrid 4‑2‑5/3‑4	4‑3 base, strong run game
Recruiting Territory	SEC South, midwest	Pacific Northwest, California	West Coast, Mountain region
Leadership Style	Energetic, player‑centric	Analytical, detail‑oriented	Traditional, disciplined
Big Ten experience	None (SEC)	None (Pac‑12)	None (Mountain/ Pac‑12)
Potential Immediate Impact	Quick offensive boost	Defensive turnaround	Long‑term program stability

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Practical Tips for Michigan Stakeholders

1. Conduct a “Fit‑Factor” Matrix – weigh each candidate against criteria such as recruiting impact, scheme compatibility, cultural alignment, and leadership depth.
2. Leverage Alumni Networks – engage former Michigan coaches to provide candid assessments, especially on how each candidate handles pressure in high‑visibility programs.
3. Assess Staff Continuity – identify which assistants are likely to follow each candidate, ensuring Michigan can retain or replace key personnel without disruption.
4. Plan for Transition Year – develop a 12‑month integration plan covering playbook installation, recruiting cycle adjustments, and academic compliance checks.

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Recruiting Implications Across Key Regions

• Florida & Texas: Drinkwitz’s SEC ties could open doors to elite skill positions.
• California & Pacific Northwest: Fisch’s recruiting relationships may bring high‑caliber defensive backs and receivers.
• Mountain West & Inter‑Mountain: Whittingham’s existing connections can secure versatile linemen and rugged linebackers.

Actionable Insight: By targeting a coach with multi‑regional pipelines, Michigan can diversify its talent base, reducing over‑reliance on traditional Midwest high schools.

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Strategic Outlook: How the Hire Shapes Michigan’s Future

• Offensive Evolution – A Drinkwitz hire would likely shift Michigan toward a high‑tempo, spread‑focused attack, potentially improving red‑zone efficiency and attracting top‑rated quarterback prospects.
• Defensive Reinvention – Selecting Fisch could result in a multiple‑front defense capable of neutralizing both power‑run and spread offenses, addressing a long‑standing Big Ten challenge.
• Program Stability – Whittingham offers a steady hand with a proven record of consistent winning seasons, ideal for rebuilding trust among alumni and donors.

Bottom line: Each candidate presents a distinct pathway-offensive dynamism, defensive mastery, or holistic stability-allowing Michigan to align its next era with the specific priorities set by the athletic department, fan base, and academic leadership.