The Michigan Wolverines have fired head coach Sherrone Moore, and now everyone is wondering who the program should hire to replace him.
Here’s a look at four options Michigan could consider.
Kalen DeBoer
This is the name being the most connected to Michigan at the moment. Will that wind up being speculation or spot on assertions?
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has lost to Michigan twice in recent years — in the National Championship as Washington’s head coach, and as head coach of Alabama in the 2024 ReliaQuest
Bowl. Despite losses to Michigan, DeBoer is a really good coach and has won at a high clip everywhere he’s been, amassing a 123-19 record as a college head coach. Alabama’s currently 9-4 this season and will face Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff, would he really want to leave a premier program in the middle of a playoff race? Would he leave a job where he’s making over $10 million per year through 2031?
Kenny Dillingham
If you want to prioritize the development of Bryce Underwood, look no further than Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham has been innovative wherever he’s landed, especially as offensive coordinator at Auburn (2019) and Oregon (2022). Dillingham went 11-3 in 2024 at Arizona State and had a College Football Playoff appearance. Dillingham’s partnership with ASU QB Sam Leavitt led to one of the more fun passing offenses to watch in all of college football. Dillingham is a strong leader, great recruiter, and innovative offensive mind who’s hungry at just 35 years old. This would be an exciting hire and Michigan’s offense would become increasingly dangerous.
Marcus Freeman
Is Freeman sour about the Fighting Irish not making the College Football Playoff? Would he prefer to coach in the Big Ten? After all, he was a linebacker at Ohio State. Freeman’s currently making around $10 million at Notre Dame, which would put him around the same range as DeBoer as far as what Michigan would have to offer to entice him to depart a stable program. Freeman is a fiery and excellent head coach that would likely lead Michigan back to the playoffs consistently, but is there mutual interest?
Jesse Minter
Minter, who was Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, has been doing an excellent job as the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers the last two years. Minter received a one-year show cause from the NCAA last year, but that expired on Dec. 15, 2025. However, Minter may want to see the season through with the Chargers, who are likely to make the playoffs. Further, Minter will likely be a candidate for head coaching jobs in the NFL this cycle and he may want to stick in the pros.
