The Michigan Wolverines’ coaching search is heating up-and it’s anything but straightforward. With the clock ticking toward the Citrus Bowl and the holidays, the university is navigating a fractured internal landscape as it works to identify its next head football coach. One name gaining traction: Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich.
Stenavich isn’t just a hot name because of his NFL pedigree. He’s also a former Wolverine-an All-Big Ten offensive lineman in the mid-2000s who later returned to Ann Arbor as a graduate assistant.
That Michigan connection matters. According to recent reports, part of the university’s leadership is pushing for a “Michigan man” to take the reins, someone who understands the culture, the expectations, and the pressure that comes with leading one of college football’s most storied programs.
But that’s just one side of the internal debate. The search has reportedly split the Michigan board into three distinct camps.
While one group leans toward Stenavich and the idea of bringing in a true Wolverine, another faction is eyeing Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter is no stranger to Ann Arbor-he was Michigan’s defensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, helping to build one of the nation’s most respected defensive units.
Like Stenavich, Minter has yet to serve as a head coach, but his familiarity with the program and his recent success on the defensive side make him a compelling candidate.
Then there’s the third group, reportedly advocating for a clean break from the past. This faction is looking outside the Michigan orbit entirely, and one name being floated is Kyle Whittingham.
The longtime Utah head coach recently stepped down after more than two decades with the Utes. At 66, Whittingham brings experience, stability, and a proven track record-qualities that could appeal to a program trying to move forward after a tumultuous stretch.
And make no mistake, it’s been a rocky road in Ann Arbor. Earlier this month, Michigan parted ways with Sherrone Moore after an internal investigation determined he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Moore was later detained by police in connection with an alleged assault in Pittsfield Township. His departure marked another chapter in what’s been a string of off-field issues for the Wolverines over the past few years.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi, who stepped in after Moore’s dismissal, has made it clear that he wants the job full-time. Poggi told reporters this week that he’s had multiple interviews for the position. He previously led Charlotte to a 6-16 record over parts of two seasons, but he did guide Michigan to two wins while filling in for Moore earlier this year.
Poggi didn’t mince words about the state of the program. “It’s been five years of a malfunctioning organization,” he said.
“Let’s call it what it is. It’s happened every year.
The athletic director doesn’t want any more of that.”
And it’s hard to argue with that sentiment. Michigan has endured a run of controversies that would test even the most stable programs.
There was the sign-stealing investigation that made national headlines. The recruiting violations case that added more fuel to the fire.
And the arrest of former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss, who’s facing 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. Weiss has pleaded not guilty, and a judge just denied his motion to dismiss the identity theft charges earlier this week.
Through it all, Michigan is trying to steady the ship. School officials have told players and their families that they hope to have a new head coach in place before Christmas.
Poggi said athletic director Warde Manuel reiterated that goal to the team, adding that the school wants a new hire locked in before the Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl showdown with Texas.
So now, the Wolverines are staring down a critical decision. Do they go with a familiar face like Stenavich or Minter, hoping to restore continuity and lean into the Michigan DNA? Or do they opt for an experienced outsider like Whittingham, someone who could bring a fresh approach and a steady hand?
Whatever direction they choose, one thing is clear: Michigan can’t afford to get this one wrong. The next head coach won’t just inherit a talented roster and a passionate fan base-they’ll be tasked with leading a program that’s been through the wringer and is desperate for stability, accountability, and a return to championship-caliber football.