The college football coaching carousel has been spinning fast this offseason, and nowhere is the spotlight brighter than in Ann Arbor. A week after Michigan made the stunning decision to part ways with Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are still without a head coach-and the search is heating up.
When the job opened, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer quickly became the dream candidate for many Michigan fans. And it’s easy to see why.
DeBoer is one of the sharpest minds in college football, leading powerhouse programs and building a reputation for offensive innovation and strong leadership. But as much as Michigan may have hoped to make a run at him, DeBoer made it clear-both in public statements and through his College Football Playoff prep-that he’s not leaving Tuscaloosa anytime soon.
With DeBoer off the table, the rumor mill hasn’t slowed down. Kenny Dillingham, head coach at Arizona State, was another name that surfaced early.
While he’s publicly downplayed interest, there’s still no signed extension in Tempe-a detail that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Until pen meets paper, Michigan fans will keep wondering if Dillingham could be pried away, especially considering the Wolverines can offer more in terms of resources and national profile.
So where does Michigan go from here? Let’s break down five names that make the most sense right now-and why each could be a fit in Ann Arbor.
1. Biff Poggi (Interim Head Coach, Michigan)
Sometimes the best option is already in the building. Biff Poggi has stepped in as interim head coach before and brings a unique blend of leadership and experience.
He previously led Charlotte and has been a steady hand during times of transition. If Michigan decides to keep the current staff intact and ride things out until next season, Poggi could be the bridge they need.
He knows the program, understands the culture, and has the respect of the locker room.
2. Tommy Rees (Offensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns)
Here’s a wildcard that’s quietly gaining traction. Tommy Rees has been a top assistant at some of the biggest programs in the country, and now he’s calling plays in the NFL.
While he’s still relatively young in coaching years, Rees has shown a sharp offensive mind and the ability to adapt. For a program like Michigan, which values both tradition and innovation, Rees could be a bold, forward-thinking hire.
3. Manny Diaz (Head Coach, Duke)
Manny Diaz has had one of the more interesting coaching arcs in recent years. After a rocky stint at Miami, he’s bounced back in a big way at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to an ACC title before Miami could get there.
He’s also no stranger to the Big Ten, having served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator. Diaz brings a defensive identity, experience in high-academic environments, and a chip on his shoulder-which might be exactly what Michigan needs right now.
4. Jedd Fisch (Head Coach, Washington)
If Michigan is looking for someone who knows the program inside and out, Jedd Fisch checks every box. He was part of Jim Harbaugh’s staff in 2015-16, working with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and the passing game.
Since then, Fisch has rebuilt Arizona into a respectable program and now finds himself in the Big Ten again at Washington. He’s proven he can win, develop talent, and connect with players-plus, he already knows what it takes to thrive in Ann Arbor.
5. Kenny Dillingham (Head Coach, Arizona State)
The Dillingham watch continues. He’s said all the right things about loving Arizona State, but the longer he goes without a contract extension, the more plausible it becomes that Michigan could swoop in.
The Wolverines have more to offer in terms of facilities, recruiting reach, and overall program stature. And with quarterback Sam Leavitt recently leaving ASU, the timing may be right for Dillingham to consider a new chapter.
Right now, Michigan finds itself in a bit of a holding pattern. The top names have either declined or are playing it close to the vest, and the Wolverines are left navigating a tricky coaching market. But this is still one of the premier jobs in college football-rich in tradition, loaded with resources, and positioned to compete at the highest level.
The next few days could be telling. Whether Michigan opts for a familiar face, a rising star, or a proven veteran, the decision will shape the program’s future. And in a Big Ten that’s only getting tougher, they’ll need to get this one right.