Michigan’s Coaching Search Takes a Turn: Dillingham, Drinkwitz Reportedly in the Mix
The search for Michigan’s next head football coach is officially heating up-and if the latest reports are any indication, the Wolverines may be casting a wider net than expected.
After Sherrone Moore’s abrupt departure, the early buzz centered around three prominent names: Kalen DeBoer, Jedd Fisch, and Kenny Dillingham. But as the week progressed, that shortlist started to blur. Now, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has entered the conversation, and Michigan fans are left wondering what direction the program is really heading.
Dillingham Staying Put?
Kenny Dillingham was widely considered one of the more intriguing candidates-young, energetic, and already turning heads at Arizona State. But on Saturday, Dillingham made it clear he’s staying put in Tempe.
He and the Sun Devils are reportedly working on a new deal to keep him locked in for the foreseeable future. That’s a big domino falling early, and not in Michigan’s favor.
With Dillingham seemingly off the table, attention naturally shifted to DeBoer and Fisch. But even that narrative got a shakeup when a report from the Associated Press revealed that Michigan has been in contact with representatives for both Dillingham and Eli Drinkwitz.
Drinkwitz: A New Name in the Mix
Drinkwitz’s inclusion is a surprise. Just last month, he signed an extension with Missouri after a strong season that saw the Tigers take a significant step forward.
He’s built momentum in Columbia, and he’s become a popular figure on campus. So seeing his name pop up in Michigan’s coaching search wasn’t exactly on anyone’s radar.
That said, it’s not hard to understand the interest. Drinkwitz has proven he can rebuild a program, and he’s done it in the SEC-arguably the toughest conference in college football.
But the question isn’t just about credentials. It’s about fit.
Would his style and personality translate to Ann Arbor? Could he connect with Michigan’s culture, its fanbase, and its expectations?
Where Do DeBoer and Fisch Stand?
Kalen DeBoer remains a name to watch, but there’s no clear indication yet that he’s ready to leave Washington. He’s only in his second season with the Huskies, and after a successful run, he may not be in a hurry to jump ship. As for Jedd Fisch, his ties to Michigan run deep-he served as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Jim Harbaugh in 2015 and 2016-but whether he’s a top-tier candidate or more of a fallback option remains to be seen.
There’s a sense among some in the Michigan community that Fisch, while respected, might not bring the level of impact the program needs right now. After the success of the Harbaugh era, expectations are sky-high. The next hire isn’t just about keeping the ship afloat-it’s about keeping Michigan in the national spotlight.
Could Michigan Go In-House... Temporarily?
There’s also been quiet chatter about a more unconventional route: letting associate head coach Biff Poggi take the reins for a season while the administration conducts a more thorough search next offseason. That’s not a common move for a program of Michigan’s stature, but with several top coaching names already tied up, it could buy the Wolverines time to make the right long-term decision.
Still, that’s a big gamble for a program with championship aspirations. Michigan isn’t looking to rebuild-it’s looking to reload. And that means finding a coach who can step in immediately and keep the momentum rolling.
What’s Next?
For now, the coaching carousel keeps spinning. The addition of Eli Drinkwitz to the mix signals that Michigan is exploring all angles, not just the obvious ones. Whether that leads to a headline hire or a more unexpected choice remains to be seen.
One thing’s clear: Michigan’s next move will say a lot about how the administration views the future of the program. Are they looking for a steady hand?
A bold visionary? Or are they simply trying to find the best available option in a rapidly shrinking market?
Stay tuned. This search is far from over-and the Wolverines’ next chapter is still being written.