Michigan’s Coaching Search Heats Up as Brian Kelly Emerges as a Wild Card
The search for Michigan’s next head football coach is rolling into high gear in Ann Arbor, but the shortlist is getting shorter by the day. As the Wolverines work to replace Sherrone Moore-who was dismissed earlier this month-some of the biggest names in college football are making it clear they’re not interested in the opening.
Kalen DeBoer, now firmly entrenched at Alabama, has been vocal about his commitment to the Crimson Tide. Over at Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham just locked in a significant contract extension, signaling he’s staying put in Tempe.
That narrows the field considerably. But there’s still one heavyweight name lingering on the market-and he’s not shy about wanting back in: Brian Kelly.
Kelly, the longtime college football veteran with stops at Notre Dame and LSU, is reportedly interested in the Michigan job. According to FootballScoop, Kelly has been telling those close to him-and fellow coaches-that he’s got “one more [coaching run] in me.” Whether Michigan shares that enthusiasm remains to be seen, but the timing of his availability and the Wolverines’ urgency make this a storyline worth watching.
Let’s be clear: Michigan is working against the clock. The program has reportedly informed players and their families that they’re aiming to have a new head coach in place by Christmas.
That’s not just a symbolic deadline-it’s a strategic one. The transfer portal opens on January 2, and with roster retention now a cornerstone of success in the modern college game, Michigan needs to steady the ship fast.
Kelly, who was let go by LSU on October 26 during his fourth season, brings a hefty résumé. He compiled a 34-14 record in Baton Rouge and owns a staggering 297-109-2 career record at the collegiate level.
That kind of experience doesn’t come around often-especially not in December. But with the circumstances surrounding Moore’s departure still fresh, Michigan’s next move will be as much about culture and fit as it is about wins and losses.
Moore, who took over after Jim Harbaugh’s departure and led the Wolverines through a turbulent season, was fired on December 10 following the revelation of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The fallout has left Michigan not only looking for a new head coach, but also trying to reestablish stability in a program that’s been on the national radar all year.
So now, the Wolverines are at a crossroads. They can go young and innovative, or they can go experienced and proven.
Brian Kelly falls squarely in the latter category. He’s won big, built programs, and navigated the pressure that comes with coaching on the sport’s biggest stages.
The question is: does Michigan want that kind of presence right now?
The clock is ticking in Ann Arbor. And while some candidates are staying put, Brian Kelly is waiting by the phone.