Could Brian Daboll Be the Right Fit for Michigan After Sherrone Moore’s Firing?
The Michigan Wolverines are once again at a crossroads. Less than a year after promoting Sherrone Moore to lead the program in the wake of Jim Harbaugh’s departure, the university has made another dramatic coaching change. Moore has been fired for cause following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, according to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.
That leaves one of college football’s most prestigious jobs wide open - and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
Enter Brian Daboll.
The former New York Giants head coach has already been linked to a couple of Big Ten openings, including Penn State’s head coaching job and Ohio State’s offensive coordinator role. Now, with Michigan unexpectedly joining the mix, Daboll’s name is bound to surface again - and this time, the fit might be even more compelling.
Why Daboll Makes Sense for Michigan
Let’s start with the obvious: Michigan’s next head coach will walk into a program with national title expectations and a fanbase that doesn’t tolerate mediocrity. That’s a heavy burden, but it’s also an opportunity - especially when you’ve got a potential generational talent at quarterback like Bryce Underwood waiting in the wings.
Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, is the crown jewel of Michigan’s future. Whoever takes over in Ann Arbor will need to be someone who can not only manage the pressure of the Big Ten but also maximize the potential of a young quarterback with sky-high expectations.
Daboll checks that box in bold ink.
He’s built a reputation as a quarterback developer, and it’s not just hype. Look at what he did in Buffalo with Josh Allen.
Before Daboll arrived, Allen was raw - big arm, athleticism for days, but prone to turnovers and inconsistent decision-making. Under Daboll’s guidance, Allen blossomed into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, blending his physical gifts with poise and precision.
Then there’s his brief but notable work with Giants rookie Jaxson Dart. Drafted 25th overall and widely viewed as a long-term project, Dart was thrust into action early.
And by Week 4, he was leading an upset win over a playoff-caliber opponent. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen without a coach who knows how to build confidence and simplify the game for a young signal-caller.
College Pedigree? He’s Got That Too
While Daboll is best known for his NFL résumé, he’s no stranger to the college game. He spent a season as offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban - and that year ended with a national title. That team didn’t just win; it featured two future NFL starters in Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom Daboll helped prepare for the big stage.
Saban himself has already gone on record endorsing Daboll for a major college job. That’s not a small thing. When one of the greatest coaches in college football history gives you the stamp of approval, programs tend to listen.
A Program With Expectations - and Opportunity
Michigan isn’t just any job. It’s a blue-blood program with 12 national championships, a rabid fan base, and the kind of resources that make winning not just possible, but expected. The Wolverines aren’t looking for a rebuild - they’re looking to stay in the national title hunt, and they need a coach who can hit the ground running.
Daboll’s NFL experience, quarterback expertise, and championship pedigree make him a compelling option. He’s used to pressure.
He’s used to expectations. And most importantly, he’s shown he can get results - fast.
What Comes Next?
There’s no official word yet on whether Michigan is seriously considering Daboll. But if the Wolverines are focused on keeping Bryce Underwood’s development on track and maintaining their place among college football’s elite, it would make a lot of sense to give him a long look.
The Big Ten is only getting tougher, and Michigan can’t afford to miss on this hire. Daboll may not be a traditional college coaching candidate, but sometimes the right fit comes from outside the usual mold.
If Michigan wants a coach who can develop talent, handle the spotlight, and win big games - they might already have their guy.