With Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer seemingly out of the picture, Michigan’s coaching search is heating up - and the Wolverines are casting a wide net. Following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s next move is shaping up to be one of the most watched decisions of this hiring cycle. Among the names surfacing in serious conversations: Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham.
According to multiple reports, the search firm Michigan brought in to assist with the process has reached out to representatives for both Drinkwitz and Dillingham in recent days. Both coaches have been linked to other high-profile openings this cycle, but Michigan’s interest carries a different weight. This is one of the premier jobs in college football, and with the Wolverines fresh off a top-10 recruiting class and a College Football Playoff appearance, the timing of this hire could define the program’s next era.
Eli Drinkwitz: A Proven Winner with SEC Pedigree
Drinkwitz is no stranger to coaching rumors - his name has been floated for nearly every major opening in the past month, from Florida to Auburn. But after Missouri locked him into a contract extension in November, it looked like he was staying put.
That deal bumped his average annual salary north of $10.7 million, but Michigan may not be deterred. His buyout sits at a manageable $5 million, and the Wolverines have the resources to make a serious push if they decide he’s their guy.
There could be some mending to do, though. Drinkwitz took a jab at Michigan last year during the height of the Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga. That’s not the sort of thing that gets forgotten overnight, but in the coaching world, relationships can be repaired - especially when the right opportunity is on the table.
Despite the extension, there’s still chatter. And while Missouri insiders believe he’s likely to stay, the optics of leaving now - after reaffirming his commitment - would be far more complicated than they were just a few weeks ago.
Drinkwitz’s on-field résumé speaks for itself. He led Missouri to an 11-win season in 2023, capped by a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.
That followed a 10-win campaign the year prior, marking the first time the Tigers have posted back-to-back top-20 finishes since the Gary Pinkel era. He’s 46-28 overall as a head coach, with a 26-24 mark in SEC play.
Only Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Steve Sarkisian have more wins in the conference over the last three seasons.
What makes Drinkwitz particularly intriguing for Michigan is his ability to maximize talent. Missouri hasn’t had the deepest roster in the SEC, but he’s found ways to compete - largely through strong recruiting and savvy use of the transfer portal.
That’s the kind of adaptability that plays well in today’s NIL-driven landscape. And with Michigan boasting more NIL firepower and a five-star quarterback in Bryce Underwood headlining their 2025 class, the pieces are in place for a coach like Drinkwitz to thrive.
Kenny Dillingham: The Young Star on the Rise
Then there’s Kenny Dillingham, the 35-year-old head coach at Arizona State, who’s quickly made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in the game. Dillingham is reportedly close to finalizing an extension with the Sun Devils, but as of now, nothing is signed.
After practice on Saturday, he confirmed that talks about a contract amendment began shortly after the regular season ended. But when asked about Michigan or any other programs, Dillingham made it clear: he hasn’t spoken with anyone and is fully focused on Arizona State’s bowl matchup against ACC champion Duke on Dec. 31.
Still, he acknowledged the buzz. “It’s cool, I guess,” he said, referring to the Michigan speculation.
But he was quick to pivot back to what matters most to him - family and community. His sister lives next door.
His parents are three doors down. His son’s best friend is his niece.
Those ties run deep.
That said, Dillingham also knows what Michigan represents. “It is one of the best jobs in America,” he admitted. “It’s an unbelievable brand, iconic brand, and it’s a great opportunity for somebody.”
Dillingham’s rise has been meteoric. He led Arizona State to a Big 12 title and the program’s first-ever playoff berth last season, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors. He’s 22-16 overall in three seasons, and like Drinkwitz, he’s been vocal about the need for stronger NIL support to keep the Sun Devils competitive.
What’s Next for Michigan?
With DeBoer seemingly out and no clear frontrunner, Michigan appears to be exploring all viable avenues. Washington’s Jedd Fisch is also reportedly on the radar, and while DeBoer publicly distanced himself from the job ahead of the College Football Playoff, his name continues to float in conversations behind the scenes.
Timing is a factor here. The Wolverines are navigating a critical moment - not just because of the coaching vacancy, but because of the momentum they’ve built in recruiting and on the field. Whoever takes the reins will inherit a program that’s not rebuilding, but reloading.
Michigan isn’t just looking for a coach. They’re looking for a leader who can keep them in the national title conversation, manage the modern NIL landscape, and continue to develop NFL-caliber talent. Whether that’s Drinkwitz, Dillingham, or another name yet to emerge, one thing is clear: the Wolverines are swinging big.