Michigan Coaching Search: Wolverines Eye Dillingham, Drinkwitz as Replacement for Moore
The University of Michigan is moving quickly in its search for a new head football coach following the abrupt dismissal of Sherrone Moore earlier this week. According to a person familiar with the situation, the search firm hired by the university has reached out to representatives for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz.
Moore was fired Wednesday after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The situation escalated just two days later when Moore was formally charged with three crimes. Prosecutors allege he forced his way into a woman’s apartment and made threats against himself, further complicating an already turbulent week in Ann Arbor.
Now, college football’s all-time winningest program finds itself in urgent need of a new leader - and with the early signing period and transfer portal window looming, the clock is ticking.
Dillingham: The Hometown Hero Who’s Turned Heads
Kenny Dillingham’s name has been swirling in coaching circles for weeks now, and for good reason. The 35-year-old Arizona native has quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in the game. After a fast rise through the coaching ranks - with stops as offensive coordinator at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon - Dillingham returned to his alma mater, Arizona State, and wasted no time making an impact.
In just his second season, he led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, a remarkable turnaround for a program that had been mired in mediocrity. Dillingham’s offensive creativity and ability to connect with players have made him a hot commodity, even though he’s publicly stated he’s committed to staying in Tempe.
Still, when a blue-blood like Michigan comes calling, it’s hard not to at least pick up the phone.
Drinkwitz: Building Consistency in the SEC
Eli Drinkwitz, 42, brings a different kind of résumé to the table. He’s not the young upstart anymore - he’s a proven program builder in one of the toughest conferences in college football. After a 12-1 season at Appalachian State, Drinkwitz took over at Missouri and has gone 46-28 over six seasons, guiding the Tigers to five straight bowl appearances.
Just two weeks ago, Missouri doubled down on its commitment to Drinkwitz, locking him into a six-year extension worth an average of $10.75 million per year. That kind of investment usually signals a long-term relationship, but Michigan’s job is one of the few that could make a coach reconsider his current situation.
Under Drinkwitz, Missouri has developed a tough, balanced identity - one that could translate well to the Big Ten. He’s known for his detailed game planning and steady leadership, qualities Michigan may be prioritizing as it looks to stabilize the program.
Timing is Everything
Michigan isn’t just looking for a coach - it’s looking for one fast. The program is trying to keep its current recruiting class intact while also minimizing the risk of losing key players to the transfer portal. With the early signing period just around the corner and portal activity heating up in January, hiring a coach by the end of the month is critical.
This is a pivotal moment for the Wolverines. After years of stability under Jim Harbaugh and a brief but successful run with Moore, the program is at a crossroads. Whoever takes over will inherit a talented roster and sky-high expectations - and they’ll need to hit the ground running.
Whether it’s the offensive innovator in Dillingham or the SEC-tested tactician in Drinkwitz, Michigan appears to be aiming high. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining who takes the reins in Ann Arbor - and where the Wolverines go from here.