If Michigan football had a roster full of players with Marlin Klein’s mindset, the Wolverines might not be sweating their head coaching vacancy nearly as much-at least not when it comes to keeping the locker room intact.
Player retention has become a central concern in Ann Arbor as the program navigates a high-stakes coaching search. With the NCAA’s 30-day transfer window set to open once a new head coach is hired, the Wolverines are racing the clock to solidify leadership and provide some stability for both current players and incoming recruits.
But if you ask Klein, the tight end isn’t going anywhere-no matter who takes the reins.
Speaking to the media for the first time since the departure of Sherrone Moore, Klein made his stance crystal clear: “I’ll never transfer.” That’s a strong statement in today’s college football landscape, where the portal has become as active as the field itself. For Michigan, it’s also a much-needed sign of stability.
Klein, a 6-foot-5 senior, still has a year of eligibility left and hasn’t ruled out a return to Ann Arbor, though he’s also weighing his NFL Draft prospects. This season, he hauled in 20 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown-numbers that don’t jump off the page but don’t tell the full story either. Injuries limited his availability, as they did for many Wolverines this year, but when healthy, Klein has been a reliable target and a physical presence in the run game.
His blocking ability, in particular, adds real value to Michigan’s offense. If he does return, pairing him with young talents like Zach Marshall and Hogan Hansen-assuming they remain on the roster-could give the next head coach a strong, versatile tight end room to work with.
And while the future of the program remains uncertain-names like Kalen DeBoer and Kenny Dillingham are floating around as potential successors-Klein isn’t waiting around to see who gets the job before committing to his next move. That kind of loyalty and focus is rare, and it matters, especially in a moment like this.
One thing is certain: Klein will suit up for the Citrus Bowl, a game that’s quietly approaching amid all the coaching buzz. With just 12 days to go, it’s a reminder that Michigan still has business to take care of on the field-even as the program prepares for major change off of it.
For now, Marlin Klein is locked in. And for a team in transition, that’s the kind of anchor you can build around.