Michigan’s Coaching Search: Latest Updates on Top Candidates
Michigan’s Coaching Search: Latest Updates on Top Candidates
The University of Michigan is moving quickly in its search for a new head football coach following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore for cause on December 10, 2025. With the early signing period and transfer portal looming, athletic director Warde Manuel has made it clear the program is prepared to spend aggressively — including paying significant buyouts — to secure a top-tier hire.
In the interim, associate head coach Biff Poggi has stepped in to lead the Michigan Wolverines, including their upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas Longhorns on December 31. Behind the scenes, Michigan has enlisted executive search firm TurnkeyZRG with the goal of finalizing a hire before January 2.
Below is a breakdown of the leading candidates, recent developments, and where each stands in Michigan’s high-stakes coaching search.
Kalen DeBoer — Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide
Profile:
DeBoer is widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in college football. After guiding Washington to the national title game in 2023, he succeeded Nick Saban at Alabama in 2024 and has kept the Crimson Tide firmly in playoff contention.
Latest Developments:
Michigan has identified DeBoer as a top target and is reportedly willing to make an unprecedented financial offer. However, DeBoer has publicly dismissed speculation about leaving Alabama, emphasizing his commitment to the program and his focus on the current playoff run. Alabama officials have echoed that support, making a near-term departure unlikely.
While Michigan continues to monitor the situation, multiple insiders believe the timing — and the optics of leaving Alabama so quickly — make this scenario improbable.
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Kyle Whittingham — Former Head Coach, Utah Utes
Profile:
One of the most respected veteran coaches in the sport, Whittingham compiled nearly 180 wins over 21 seasons at Utah, along with multiple conference titles and Rose Bowl appearances. At 66, he recently announced he will step down after Utah’s bowl game — though notably not retire.
Latest Developments:
Whittingham has emerged as a serious and intriguing option. While he has not publicly commented on Michigan’s opening, reports indicate he is open to coaching elsewhere. His physical, disciplined style aligns closely with Michigan’s identity, and administrators are said to be intrigued by his experience and culture-building ability.
The key question remains whether Whittingham wants to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career — but signs suggest he is at least listening.
Jedd Fisch — Head Coach, Washington Huskies
Profile:
A former Michigan assistant under Jim Harbaugh, Fisch rebuilt Arizona before taking over at Washington in 2024. He led the Huskies to an 8–4 season and a bowl victory in 2025, maintaining stability after DeBoer’s departure.
Latest Developments:
Early reports suggested Fisch was highly interested in returning to Ann Arbor. However, momentum behind his candidacy has cooled significantly. Multiple insiders now believe Fisch is unlikely to be a factor as Michigan narrows its focus on other candidates.
Jeff Brohm — Head Coach, Louisville Cardinals
Profile:
Brohm, a Midwestern native and Louisville alum, has revitalized the Cardinals since returning in 2023, guiding the program to consistent success and an ACC title game appearance. He brings Big Ten experience from his time at Purdue and is known for quarterback development and offensive creativity.
Latest Developments:
Michigan’s search firm has reportedly reached out to gauge Brohm’s interest. While he has avoided committing publicly to Louisville long term, prying him away would be difficult. He is deeply tied to the program and is rumored to be negotiating an extension, though his relatively modest salary could make Michigan’s interest tempting.
Brohm remains a legitimate but challenging target.
Other Names to Watch
Kenny Dillingham — Head Coach, Arizona State Sun Devils
At just 35, Dillingham is one of the fastest-rising coaches in the country after leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth. Michigan is believed to have strong interest, and the financial gap between programs could make him attainable.
Eli Drinkwitz — Head Coach, Missouri Tigers
Drinkwitz has built Missouri into a consistent winner and recently signed a lucrative extension through 2031. While Michigan made contact, the massive buyout and mixed fan reception make him a less likely choice.
Jesse Minter — Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
A former Michigan defensive coordinator, Minter is respected within the program but lacks head coaching experience. He is viewed as a long-shot or fallback option.
Biff Poggi — Interim Head Coach, Michigan
Poggi has earned praise for stabilizing the program and maintaining locker-room unity during a turbulent period. Players have publicly voiced support for him, but promoting an interim coach with limited major-college success would be a surprising move for a program of Michigan’s stature.
What Comes Next
With recruiting deadlines approaching, Michigan hopes to finalize its hire within the next two weeks. Interviews and behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing, and while surprises are always possible, the next head coach is expected to come from this core group of established winners and rising stars.
As the calendar turns toward January, all signs point to a major announcement before the new year — one that will define the Wolverines’ next era.