The Jim Harbaugh era at the University of Michigan is officially over – But it sure as hell was fun while it lasted.
Harbaugh accomplished his ultimate goal of restoring the program to an elite level and capped off his tenure with a historic national championship.
Now gone to the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL, Michigan is left looking to fill an enormous void at head coach.
Harbaugh put Michigan football back on the map. He will forever be one of the greatest coaches in our lustrous history. He came in and did exactly what he sat out to do. Now he has his own journey to win a SB. Thank you for everything you have done for Michigan @CoachJim4UM https://t.co/yy2DhU7WRo
— The 12x National Champion- The Don #GoBlue (@themancalleddon) January 25, 2024
With Harbaugh’s departure, the Wolverines are now on the lookout for a new head coach to lead their football program.
The frontrunner for the position is the current offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, who has already proven himself during Harbaugh’s suspension this season.
Steve thinks Sherrone Moore would be a perfect Harbaugh replacement for Michigan #michigan pic.twitter.com/488wh8uRWa
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) January 25, 2024
According to ESPN, three other notable coaches are also being considered for the position.
Insider Pete Thamel revealed that Lance Leipold, Chris Klieman, and Dave Clawson are among the candidates.
“If anyone could keep the program running the way it has been, it would be Coach Moore”
Michigan commits and top targets react to Jim Harbaugh leaving and Sherrone Moore as a potential replacement #GoBlue. https://t.co/I1oaA3V2ud pic.twitter.com/BXNXI9MmuZ
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) January 25, 2024
Leipold, who has achieved remarkable success at Kansas, led the Jayhawks to back-to-back bowl games, breaking a long postseason drought for the program.
Klieman, at the helm of Kansas State since 2019, secured the 2022 Big 12 championship and boasts four national titles at the FCS level from his tenure at North Dakota State.
Clawson, the head coach of Wake Forest since 2014, earned the ACC Coach of the Year award in 2021, guiding the Demon Deacons to an impressive 11-3 record, including a victory in the Gator Bowl.
While Moore has the advantage of familiarity with the program as the current offensive coordinator, Michigan is reportedly considering all available options to ensure they find the best fit for their future head coach.
On The Wolverine247 Podcast, @_ZachShaw and @TremendousUM react to Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the Chargers while weighing what's next, including why Sherrone Moore would be a "slam dunk" as the replacement:https://t.co/FujkLQupdA pic.twitter.com/qWTRbzNsG1
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 25, 2024
FS1’s Colin Cowherd believes Michigan should swing for the fences and bring in LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly…
.@ColinCowherd says Michigan should hire Brian Kelly to replace Jim Harbaugh:
"He wins and wins everywhere and wins instantly." pic.twitter.com/Zu9PosACVL
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 25, 2024
Kelly sure is a great coach.
But if he were to bail on LSU to take the Michigan job – boy oh boy – just imagine how terrible he’d look..
"This is the last stop on the Coach Kelly caravan."
– Brian Kelly when asked today about rumors of his interest in other jobs (mainly Michigan)pic.twitter.com/TJQUWwbxVe
— TorresOnLSU (@TorresOnLSU) December 27, 2023
By all accounts, Moore is the heavy favorite, and it would be a surprise at this point if he’s not named head coach.
The entire team has full-heatedly endorsed him to the point where Michigan would lose significant brownie points with their players if they hired someone else.
Only logical replacement for him at Michigan: https://t.co/iHCOkMgnBx pic.twitter.com/ay9bFIGkf6
— Nic Freiri (@Nic_Freiri) January 24, 2024
What do you think will end up happening?
Should Michigan indeed hire Moore?
Or should they go for a more-established coach, such as Kelly???