Michigan entered the 2025 coaching carousel abruptly on Wednesday after firing Sherrone Moore for cause. The university announced that Moore had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and later that evening reports emerged that he had been detained by police in a nearby municipality and could face charges.
With Biff Poggi taking over as interim coach for the Citrus Bowl against Texas, Michigan now begins its search for a long-term replacement. Here are six candidates who make sense for the Wolverines.
Jedd Fisch, Washington
Fisch has both Michigan ties and Big Ten familiarity. He served as Michigan’s passing game coordinator from 2015–16 before rebuilding Arizona and then taking over at Washington. The Huskies have gone 14–11 under his leadership, including an 8–4 campaign in 2025.
His NFL experience and proven track record in quarterback development make him a steady, reliable option.
Manny Diaz, Duke
Diaz has revived Duke in impressive fashion, winning the ACC title this season and posting a 17–9 record in two years. His earlier stint at Miami produced a 21–15 mark, and his defensive work at Penn State helped the Nittany Lions become one of the nation’s top units.
Diaz offers toughness, discipline, and experience at high-profile programs—a natural fit for Big Ten football.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
DeBoer was a logical Michigan candidate before the program promoted Moore in 2023. Now at Alabama, he has faced the impossible task of following Nick Saban and has logged consecutive three-loss seasons.
If Alabama falls to Oklahoma and DeBoer considers a fresh opportunity, Michigan would be one of the few programs big enough to lure him away. His offensive excellence and winning résumé would make him a splash hire.
Jay Harbaugh, Seattle Seahawks
Now the special teams coordinator for the Seahawks, Jay Harbaugh spent nine seasons on Michigan’s staff coaching multiple position groups.
He understands the program deeply and would offer continuity, though hiring him would keep the program tied to the Harbaugh era—something Michigan may want to avoid given recent turmoil.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers
Minter coordinated Michigan’s 2023 national-title defense before following Jim Harbaugh to the NFL. His Chargers defense has been strong, allowing fewer than 21 points per game while generating turnovers at a high rate.
While he did receive a one-year NCAA show-cause penalty for violations committed in Ann Arbor, it expires before the end of 2025. If Michigan wants a familiar face without fully reopening the Harbaugh chapter, Minter is a strong option.
Brian Kelly, Former LSU and Notre Dame Head Coach
Kelly is currently unattached to any program but remains one of the most accomplished coaches on the market. With decades of experience and stops at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and LSU, Kelly brings organizational stability, recruiting acumen, and a proven ability to win at every level.
A return to the Midwest could appeal to him, and Michigan offers the type of high-end platform he has thrived in before. Among available coaches, he may be the most experienced option Michigan could pursue.
