Michigan has officially appointed offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore as the new head coach, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who departed for the Los Angeles Chargers, as announced by the school on Friday.
Moore, who has been part of the Wolverines’ staff for the past six seasons, took on the role of Michigan’s acting head coach for four games in 2023 during Harbaugh’s suspensions.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Moore stated, “I have been preparing my entire coaching career for this opportunity and can’t think of a better place to be head coach than at the University of Michigan.”
He emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining the legacy of championship football at Michigan, maintaining high standards both on and off the field.
The decision to elevate Moore highlights Michigan’s intention to maintain continuity amid a challenging coaching transition, particularly following the team’s recent national championship win and the departure of key players to the NFL Draft.
Promoting Moore, a respected staff member and emotional leader, is seen as a strategic move to prevent a potential exodus of talent to the transfer portal.
Moore, 37, played for Oklahoma under Bob Stoops and began his coaching career at Louisville from 2009-2013. He has been part of the Michigan coaching staff since 2018, initially as the tight ends coach, gradually progressing to the role of co-offensive coordinator in 2021 and assuming sole offensive coordinator responsibilities in 2023.
Notably, Moore has been instrumental in leading Michigan’s elite offensive line, contributing to consecutive Joe Moore Awards in 2021 and 2022.
Taking over from a national championship-winning coach, Moore finds himself in a unique position, as Jim Harbaugh is only the fourth coach since World War II not to return after such a triumph. The historical success of coaches following similar situations provides some optimism for Moore’s tenure.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Moore faces challenges, including a potentially rebuilding year for the Wolverines, a demanding schedule featuring formidable opponents, and the departure of several key players. The quarterback position, among other critical issues, will require attention in the coming months.
Moore’s promotion is seen as a strategic move by Michigan, preventing potential disruption to the coaching industry. Pursuing other high-profile coaches could have triggered a ripple effect in the coaching carousel, impacting multiple coaching positions across Division I football.
