Eli Drinkwitz to Michigan? Why the Rumors Don’t Add Up Right Now
The coaching carousel is spinning at full speed, and Michigan’s search for its next head coach has become one of the hottest storylines in college football. With Jim Harbaugh’s future still uncertain, speculation is swirling around who could take the reins in Ann Arbor. And once again, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz finds his name in the mix.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel recently reignited that chatter during an appearance on Get Up, mentioning Drinkwitz alongside Washington’s Jedd Fisch and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham as three “gettable” candidates Michigan could be targeting.
But while Thamel’s report puts Drinkwitz in the conversation, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise - and there are some pretty compelling reasons why this move feels unlikely right now.
The Chip Lindsey Factor
Let’s start with the most telling development: Drinkwitz just hired Chip Lindsey as Missouri’s new offensive coordinator - and not just any coordinator, but Michigan’s former OC. That’s a move that says Drinkwitz is building something in Columbia, not prepping for an exit.
Lindsey’s addition isn’t a small footnote. It signals continuity, investment, and a vision for Missouri’s offense moving forward. If Drinkwitz were seriously eyeing the Michigan job, bringing in a recently available coordinator with deep ties to the Wolverines would be an odd move - especially this close to the offseason’s critical junctures.
Timing Is Everything
Another logistical hurdle? Missouri’s bowl game isn’t until December 27.
That’s cutting it close with the January 2 opening of the transfer portal window - a crucial period for roster management, especially for a program in transition. If Michigan were seriously considering Drinkwitz, the calendar isn’t doing them any favors.
That tight turnaround makes it tough for any coach to jump ship, get up to speed, and start shaping a roster in a matter of days. For a place like Michigan, where expectations are sky-high and the margin for error is razor thin, that’s a big ask.
The Contract Complication
And let’s not forget the numbers. Drinkwitz inked a fresh six-year deal just last month - a contract that not only reflects Missouri’s commitment to him but also raises the financial stakes for any program looking to pry him away.
Sure, buyouts happen all the time in college football. But when you combine a new contract with a staff overhaul and a looming bowl game, it paints a picture of a coach who’s locked in - not one with one foot out the door.
So Where Does That Leave Michigan?
Despite Thamel’s report, all signs point to Drinkwitz staying put - at least for now. That doesn’t mean Michigan isn’t doing its due diligence or keeping all options on the table. But when you stack up the timing, the staff moves, and the contractual realities, Drinkwitz’s candidacy feels more like a long shot than a leading option.
Could something change? Absolutely.
This is college football, after all - a world where “never” rarely means never. But as of today, the odds of Drinkwitz making the leap to Ann Arbor look pretty slim.
For Missouri fans, that’s good news. For Michigan, the search continues.