As Michigan begins its search for a new head coach following Sherrone Moore’s departure, the picture is starting to come into focus-but don’t expect this to be a straightforward process. Early speculation had Louisville’s Jeff Brohm as a potential target, but that buzz has cooled significantly.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Michigan’s initial shortlist doesn't include Brohm at all. Instead, three names have emerged as early frontrunners: Jedd Fisch, Eli Drinkwitz, and Kyle Whittingham.
Let’s break down what each of these candidates brings to the table-and why Michigan may be zeroing in on this trio.
Jeff Brohm: Off the Board (For Now)
Brohm’s name made the rounds quickly after Louisville’s Boca Raton Bowl win over Toledo, but when asked about the Michigan job, he didn’t entertain the idea. He kept it professional, stating he’s happy where he is-and that’s likely the end of that conversation for now. Whether Michigan ever made serious overtures is unclear, but based on Thamel’s report, Brohm isn’t a priority in this search.
Jedd Fisch: Building Something in Seattle
Fisch just wrapped up his second season with the Washington Huskies, and he’s turned plenty of heads along the way. Washington's 2026 recruiting class is already drawing praise, and Fisch has helped solidify the Huskies as a rising force in the Big Ten. His offensive mind, recruiting chops, and recent success make him an appealing option for Michigan, especially as the program looks to maintain momentum in a highly competitive conference.
Fisch also has a reputation for being a builder-someone who can take a program and elevate it with structure, energy, and development. That’s exactly the kind of profile Michigan might be drawn to in the wake of Moore’s departure.
Eli Drinkwitz: A Rising Name with SEC Pedigree
Drinkwitz is currently preparing Missouri for its bowl game, but his name has been floating around the Michigan conversation for a little while now. He’s led Mizzou to a strong season and has shown he can navigate the rigors of the SEC-something that translates well to the Big Ten's increasingly rugged landscape.
Drinkwitz brings a mix of youthful energy and offensive creativity, and he’s proven he can recruit and develop talent. If Michigan is looking for a coach who can relate to players, run a modern offense, and handle the pressure of big-time college football, Drinkwitz checks a lot of boxes.
Kyle Whittingham: The Veteran Presence
Then there’s Kyle Whittingham-a name that surprised many when it was revealed he won’t be returning to Utah next season. While he’s stepping away from Salt Lake City, Whittingham has no plans to retire. That opens the door for a fascinating possibility.
Whittingham is one of the most respected coaches in the country, known for his physical, disciplined teams and his ability to consistently punch above his weight. He’s been a model of stability and success at Utah, and with Michigan’s identity rooted in toughness and defense, Whittingham feels like a natural cultural fit.
He’s also the kind of coach who could step in and command immediate respect-not just from the locker room, but from the broader college football landscape. If Michigan is looking for a steady hand with a proven track record, Whittingham could be the guy.
What’s Next?
While fans may have had Brohm circled early on, it looks like Michigan is heading in a different direction. Fisch, Drinkwitz, and Whittingham each offer something unique, and all three could bring a different flavor to the Wolverines’ future.
The next step? Interviews, evaluations, and a deeper dive into who can lead Michigan into its next chapter. The Wolverines are coming off a run of stability and success, and whoever takes over will be expected to keep that standard high.
For now, Brohm is off the board-but the coaching carousel is just getting started in Ann Arbor.