When Rece Davis speaks, college football listens. The longtime College GameDay host may not bark like a former linebacker or boast a Hall of Fame coaching pedigree, but his football IQ is as sharp as anyone in the business. And when Davis weighs in on Michigan’s head coaching vacancy, it’s worth more than just a passing glance.
With Sherone Moore officially out as the Wolverines' head coach, the pressure is squarely on athletic director Warde Manuel to steer the program forward-preferably without another detour into controversy. And Davis didn’t hesitate to offer a name he believes should be right at the top of Michigan’s list: David Shaw.
“If I were in Warde Manuel and Michigan’s position, I’d have David Shaw very high on my list,” Davis posted on social media. “Given the circumstances, likely atop the list.”
It’s a measured take, but one grounded in both experience and fit. Shaw isn’t just a familiar name-he’s a proven leader with a track record of building programs the right way.
Best known for his run as Stanford’s head coach from 2011 to 2022, Shaw guided the Cardinal to three Pac-12 titles and a pair of Rose Bowl victories. His teams played physical, disciplined football, and he developed NFL talent at a consistent clip.
Since stepping away from Stanford, Shaw hasn’t exactly been idle. He spent time in the front office with the Denver Broncos before returning to the sidelines this season as the Detroit Lions’ passing game coordinator. And that’s where things get especially interesting for Michigan.
Shaw’s current role with the Lions has seen him work closely with quarterback Jared Goff, who’s enjoying one of the best seasons of his career-over 3,600 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through 14 games. That kind of offensive production doesn’t happen by accident. It speaks to Shaw’s ability to scheme effectively, develop talent, and adapt to the modern game-all qualities that translate well to the college level.
Plus, his connection to the state of Michigan can’t be overlooked. He’s already embedded in the football culture here, and his NFL credentials would carry serious weight in Ann Arbor’s locker room and on the recruiting trail.
For a program like Michigan, which has been navigating a turbulent stretch under Manuel’s leadership, Shaw represents a stabilizing presence. He’s a coach who commands respect without needing to shout, someone who brings both credibility and calm to a job that demands both.
Rece Davis didn’t toss Shaw’s name out lightly. And if Michigan is serious about turning the page and reestablishing itself as a model of consistency and class, Shaw might just be the right man for the job. Keep an eye on Detroit-there could be more than just playoff implications brewing in the Lions’ coaching room.