Michigan's coaching carousel is spinning fast, and the latest move adds another layer to an already chaotic offseason in Ann Arbor.
On Sunday, Missouri officially named Chip Lindsey as its new offensive coordinator under head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Lindsey, who spent just one season with the Wolverines, now heads to Columbia to take over an offense that’s been humming - the Tigers currently rank 25th in the FBS in total offense and are preparing for the Gator Bowl against No. 19 Virginia.
Lindsey’s departure isn’t exactly a shock given the recent shakeup in Michigan’s program, but it’s still significant. He was brought in last offseason to breathe life into a struggling offense and, more importantly, to help mold freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood - the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class. The results were mixed.
Michigan’s offense did take a step forward, climbing from dead last in the FBS in total offense in 2024 (No. 129) to No. 57 this year. But that bump came largely thanks to the ground game.
The passing attack never quite clicked under Lindsey’s guidance, finishing No. 107 nationally. Underwood showed flashes of his immense potential, but his freshman campaign was uneven - nine touchdowns, six interceptions, and plenty of growing pains.
Now, as Michigan prepares for the Citrus Bowl against No. 13 Texas, the play-calling reins will go to tight ends coach Steve Casula.
He’ll lead the offense in the bowl game while Biff Poggi serves as interim head coach. It’s a temporary solution for a program still searching for long-term answers after a stunning turn of events earlier this month.
Sherrone Moore, who was expected to be the face of the program moving forward, was fired on Dec. 10 following serious off-field allegations, including charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. The incident - stemming from an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer - has left Michigan scrambling to find a new leader at the top.
And that search isn’t getting any easier.
Michigan had eyes on Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, but with the Crimson Tide advancing in the College Football Playoff, any potential talks are on hold until at least Jan. 2. DeBoer has publicly stated he’s not interested in other jobs, but as we know in this sport, statements can shift quickly depending on how the postseason shakes out.
Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham was another name in the mix, but he just inked a new five-year deal worth $7.5 million annually, effectively taking himself off the market. Other names being floated include Drinkwitz himself, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, and longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. Poggi, who’s steering the ship for now, remains a possible short-term option depending on how things unfold in the Citrus Bowl.
As for Lindsey, this move to Missouri marks the latest stop in a well-traveled coaching career. The 51-year-old has previously served as offensive coordinator at North Carolina, UCF, Auburn, Arizona State, and Southern Miss, and also held the head coaching job at Troy from 2019-21, where he went 15-19.
Missouri will hand Lindsey the keys to an offense that’s already shown it can move the ball - and with Matt Zollers tabbed as the quarterback of the future and Beau Pribula entering the transfer portal, the Tigers are clearly thinking long-term.
For Michigan, the focus now shifts to stability. With a bowl game looming and a coaching search still wide open, the program is navigating a pivotal stretch - one that could shape the next era of Wolverines football.