Sherrone Moore firing: Pete Thamel reveals next steps, potential names for Michigan coaching search

In light of Sherrone Moore’s firing as Michigan head coach, the program now has to figure out its next steps. The transfer portal window opens Jan. 2, and On3’s Pete Nakos reported the goal is to have a new coach in place by then.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel also broke down the next steps for the Wolverines. He also listed some potential names to watch in the search, which begins after many of the big jobs in the country were filled in the coaching carousel.

Michigan Head Coach Hot Board: Top candidates to replace Sherrone Moore

Moore’s firing came after a university investigation found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, Michigan AD Warde Manuel said in a statement. As a result, he was fired for cause. But even though UM’s search is starting late in the cycle, Thamel said it’s still a top job in the country, although College Football Playoff coaches are not likely to be in the mix.

“So many extensions have been given around the country, too, for the coaches who didn’t go to the top jobs,” Thamel said on SportsCenter of top candidates Michigan could target. “Look, Michigan is still a premier job in college football, and they are going to have a good pool. They are going to have to act quickly. Obviously, the portal opens on Jan. 2. You need to not only have a coach in place by then, but some semblance of a staff, as well. They’d be unlikely to go after any Playoff coaches. It’s too much risk-reward if a coach wins or a coach loses.

“Obviously, Kalen DeBoer has been bandied around on the old X machine as one of the top candidates. He’s Alabama’s head coach. That would appear to be unlikely from a timing perspective. But names like Jeff Brohm, names like Eli Drinkwitz, former Michigan coordinator Jedd Fisch, former Michigan coordinator Jesse Minter, maybe a Clark Lea are a few of the names that will likely to come into focus here at Michigan. Expect them to move quickly, as the calendar demands it.”

Moore took over for Jim Harbaugh in 2024 and led the Wolverines to a 16-8 record in the full-time role. He arrived at Michigan in 2018 as tight ends coach and moved up to co-offensive coordinator in 2021. In 2023, he became the sole offensive coordinator on staff and also served as acting head coach while Harbaugh served a suspension from the Big Ten as the result of a sign-stealing scandal. Michigan went 3-0 during that time and won another game while Harbaugh served a separate suspension.