The Michigan Wolverines are still enjoying their national championship victory – as they should.
However, major changes could potentially be on the Horizen.
They have already lost their star quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who declared for the NFL Draft … They are expected to soon lose the face of their program, head coach Jim Harbaugh, to the men’s league as well.
Harbaugh interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers yesterday and is expected to interview with other NFL teams as well.
As far as Michigan is concerned, they have to prepare – at least in the back of their minds – for what they will do if Harbaugh ends up leaving.
Speaking of which, college football insider Bruce Feldman of FOX and The Athletic has identified four potential candidates to replace Big Jim, assuming he does indeed leave Ann Arbor.
Leading the list is Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, who did an outstanding job filling in for Harbaugh during his heavily-publicized suspension.
“Moore has emerged as a strong candidate, especially after the last month of the regular season. The 37-year-old is still young, but he proved more than capable of the job when he stepped in,” Feldman wrote.
Jim Harbaugh is interviewing with the Chargers today. IF he leaves Michigan, what do the Wolverines do to replace him? We dig into what Michigan's search process will look like after an already wild year on the coaching carousel: https://t.co/aeMtWLhsZohttps://t.co/aeMtWLhsZo
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 15, 2024
Two other contenders named by Feldman are Kansas head coach Lance Leipold and Kansas State head coach Chris Kleiman.
These experienced coaches bring a wealth of knowledge to the table and could be considered as Harbaugh’s potential successors.
Reliable chitter chatter has indicated to MBG that Brian Kelly is likely on the move to #Michigan. pic.twitter.com/aeoVLCB2K6
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) January 15, 2024
Adding an intriguing twist to the speculation is the mention of LSU head coach Brian Kelly as a possible wild card.
“Kelly, 62, is a really good coach, but the bar in Baton Rouge is incredibly high. The last three coaches there all won national titles. Making it to a 12-team College Football Playoff but not winning a title won’t cut it … I’ve heard lots of chatter that if he could get in on Michigan, he’d probably go for it,” Feldman wrote.
Okay… I’m convinced Brian Kelly leaked the rumors of him being interested in the Michigan job (if it opened) to get #LSU boosters off their ass and start committing the money that was promised.
Certain media members are mouthpieces and they don’t realize it 🤫 https://t.co/Pit6xkvmpA
— Nick Dias (@TheNickDias) January 13, 2024
Can you imagine if Brian Kelly leaves LSU for Michigan???
The Kelly haters – and there are plenty – wouldn’t be too surprised.
After all, most people have become numb to coaches (like Kelly) stating that they won’t leave their program, only to jet out the door days later.
I’m tired of hearing this nonsense about Brian Kelly going to Michigan when Harbaugh leaves.
If Brian Kelly is going to Michigan to be the next head coach, then I am going to be the first man on Mars. pic.twitter.com/ptiYWAVBht
— Sam (@Tiger__Vibes) January 15, 2024
Where do you rank Michigan among the best head coaching jobs in college football?
Should Michigan consider hiring Kelly if Harbaugh leaves for the NFL like most people expect him to?
Assuming Jim’s indeed a goner, who should the Wolverines hire???
What happens when Harbaugh leaves Michigan? Brian Kelly to Ann Arbor? Michigan & LSU players in the portal? Who would LSU hire?
If Harbaugh leaves… Alabama won’t be the only one losing the portal game
— Zachary Ross (@zross12) January 15, 2024