Could Jedd Fisch Be Headed to Michigan? Huskies Head Coach Linked to Wolverines Opening
Just when things seemed to quiet down in the college football coaching carousel, the buzz is back - and this time, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch is firmly in the spotlight.
After a few days of relative silence, chatter has picked up again around Fisch potentially leaving Seattle for one of the biggest jobs in college football: the University of Michigan. With other top candidates either locked into new contracts or off the board entirely, Fisch may now be the most prominent name left standing for the Wolverines.
Let’s break down where things stand - and why this situation is suddenly heating up.
Michigan’s Search Narrows - and Fisch’s Name Rises
The Wolverines are in a bit of a scramble. Following the firing of Sherrone Moore for cause last week and after Kalen DeBoer’s College Football Playoff victory with Alabama, Michigan’s pool of viable candidates has thinned dramatically. Add in Arizona State locking up Kenny Dillingham with a new deal, and the list of available, high-profile coaches is shrinking fast.
That’s where Jedd Fisch comes in.
Fisch hasn’t signed a new deal with Washington yet, and his ties to Michigan are real. He spent time in Ann Arbor as an assistant under Jim Harbaugh during the early years of Harbaugh’s tenure, and he’s no stranger to Big Ten football. That familiarity - plus his recent success - makes him a compelling candidate.
Fisch’s head coaching record stands at 31-32 over five seasons, but that number doesn’t tell the full story. He took over major rebuilds at both Arizona and Washington, and in both cases, he brought energy, structure, and progress. The Huskies just wrapped up a 9-4 season under his guidance, capped by a win over Boise State in the LA Bowl.
Why Michigan Would Be a Tempting Move
Let’s be honest - when Michigan calls, you pick up the phone.
This is one of the premier jobs in all of college football. We're talking about a program that just won a national championship in 2023, beating Washington to do it. The Wolverines are in the same tier as Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, and USC when it comes to prestige, resources, and national relevance.
From a recruiting standpoint, it’s a dream job. Michigan gives a coach the ability to walk into any living room in the country and have a real shot at landing top-tier talent. And with the Big Ten expanding and evolving, Fisch’s experience at Washington gives him a head start in navigating that landscape.
Then there’s the financial piece. Michigan can - and will - offer more money than Washington. That’s not a knock on the Huskies; it’s just the reality of the resources in Ann Arbor.
Why Staying in Seattle Still Makes Sense
But this isn’t a no-brainer. Washington has plenty to offer - and Fisch has built something worth continuing.
First, there’s the stability. Michigan is currently under scrutiny following Moore’s dismissal, and the athletic department is facing questions about its leadership and direction. That kind of uncertainty can be a red flag for a coach looking for long-term security.
Then there’s the personal side. Fisch has been on the move for much of his career.
Over the last two decades, he’s coached at Florida, Miami, UCLA, and with multiple NFL teams - including the Seahawks, Patriots, Rams, Jaguars, Texans, Ravens, Broncos, and Vikings. After all that, maybe he’s ready to settle in and build something sustainable in Seattle.
And let’s not forget what he has at Washington. The Huskies are coming off a nine-win season, and Fisch has one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country in Demond Williams Jr. If he stays, he’ll have a real shot at building a contender in the new-look Big Ten.
What’s Next?
At this point, it’s a waiting game. Michigan still has a vacancy, and Fisch is still unsigned. That’s enough to keep the rumor mill spinning.
Whether he stays or goes, Fisch has proven he’s one of the more intriguing coaching minds in the college game right now. His next move - or decision to stay put - could have ripple effects across the Big Ten and beyond.
For Washington fans, it’s a nervous moment. For Michigan, it might be the final piece in a chaotic offseason puzzle.
Stay tuned. This one’s far from over.