Two weeks after Michigan parted ways with head coach Sherrone Moore-who was arrested and charged with felony home invasion and two misdemeanors-the Wolverines are still searching for their next leader. And while the carousel of high-profile coaching hires has mostly slowed down-Florida, LSU, and Penn State have all filled their vacancies-Michigan finds itself in a unique position: one of the biggest jobs in college football is still wide open, and the pool of top-tier candidates has thinned.
The Wolverines haven’t rushed the process, and with good reason. This is a program that just came off a run of sustained success under Jim Harbaugh, and despite recent off-field turbulence, the expectation is to remain in the national championship conversation. That means finding the right fit-not just a big name, but someone who can steady the ship and keep Michigan competing at the highest level.
As of now, three names have emerged as serious contenders: Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, and former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, these are the coaches currently in Michigan’s “crosshairs” and considered “gettable.”
Let’s break down each candidate and what they bring to the table.
Eli Drinkwitz - Missouri
Drinkwitz has built a strong résumé in a relatively short time. After cutting his teeth at the high school level in Arkansas, he climbed the college ranks quickly, with stops at Auburn, Arkansas State, Boise State, and NC State. He got his first head coaching shot at Appalachian State and made the most of it, leading the Mountaineers to a standout season before jumping to the SEC with Missouri.
Since arriving in Columbia, he’s led the Tigers to bowl games every year and posted multiple 10-win seasons-including one that ended with a top-10 ranking. That kind of consistency in the SEC doesn’t go unnoticed, and his name has already been floated for top jobs like Florida and Penn State. While he signed an extension with Missouri in late November, that doesn’t necessarily take him off the board-especially if Michigan decides he’s the right guy to lead the program into its next chapter.
Drinkwitz is known for his offensive acumen and his ability to build a culture quickly. He’s young, energetic, and has shown he can compete in one of the toughest conferences in college football. If Michigan wants a coach who can bring fresh ideas while maintaining a high standard, Drinkwitz checks a lot of boxes.
Jedd Fisch - Washington
Fisch is a name that Michigan fans might already be familiar with. He spent two seasons in Ann Arbor as Jim Harbaugh’s quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, also serving as the passing game coordinator from 2015 to 2016. While he’s not as deeply rooted in the Harbaugh coaching tree as some others, he knows the program and understands the expectations.
Since his time at Michigan, Fisch has built a strong coaching résumé across both college football and the NFL. He’s held key roles at Minnesota, Miami, and UCLA, and most recently made waves as the head coach at Arizona, where he engineered a dramatic turnaround.
The Wildcats went from being one of the worst Power 4 programs to a 10-game winner under his watch. That success earned him the Washington job, where he capped off the season with a dominant 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl.
Fisch’s versatility stands out-he’s coached on both sides of the ball, developed quarterbacks, and navigated rebuilds with poise. He’s also a proven recruiter and has shown he can adapt to different environments. If Michigan’s looking for someone who can blend familiarity with innovation, Fisch might be the answer.
Kyle Whittingham - Utah
.@PeteThamel gives an update on Michigan's head coaching search ✍️ pic.twitter.com/OxXixtOds9
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 24, 2025
Whittingham is the most seasoned of the trio and arguably the most respected. After two decades at the helm in Salt Lake City, he announced he would step down following Utah’s bowl game against Nebraska on New Year’s Eve. But don’t call it a retirement just yet-Whittingham has been careful with his language, leaving the door open for the right opportunity.
He’s built Utah into one of the most consistent programs in the country, winning 10 or more games nine times and maintaining a physical, disciplined brand of football that’s become his trademark. A BYU grad, Whittingham started as a defensive line coach at Utah in 1994 and worked his way up to defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach in 2005. His teams are tough, well-coached, and always competitive, regardless of the opponent.
At 66, Whittingham wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but his experience and leadership could be exactly what Michigan needs in the short term. The program has been through a whirlwind of scandals and instability, and Whittingham could offer a steady hand to guide the Wolverines through what interim coach Biff Poggi recently called a “malfunctioning organization.” He’s a culture-builder, and while Michigan would need to think about succession planning if they go this route, Whittingham could provide a strong foundation.
What’s Next?
Despite the speculation, there’s no indication that a hire is imminent. Thamel made it clear that Michigan is taking its time and doesn’t expect a decision before Christmas-or even immediately after. For now, Poggi will continue to lead the team as it prepares for the Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas on December 31.
The search may be deliberate, but given the stakes, that’s probably the right call. Michigan isn’t just looking for a coach-they’re looking for a leader who can navigate the program through transition while keeping it firmly in the national spotlight.
Whether that’s a rising star like Drinkwitz, a familiar face like Fisch, or a veteran like Whittingham, the Wolverines have options. Now it’s about finding the right fit.