Michigan football is right in the center of controversy after they decided to fire head coach Sherrone Moore this week. As an investigation continues into the reasons for Moore’s termination, the Wolverines are also tasked with trying to pick up the pieces and find their next head coach. With the controversy swirling, you could argue the job might not be quite as appealing. Still, the show must go on.

Despite the state of the program currently, there are several really impressive options that Nittany Lion fans should keep a close eye on. Here are some of those candidates to know early on. If Michigan could land any of these options, it would be considered a homerun.

Michigan head coaching candidates

Kalen DeBoer (Alabama head coach) 

While DeBoer looks like a somewhat odd fit on paper, there appears to be some very real smoke here. From everything I have been told, DeBoer does have some interest in this position, depending on how things finish out. Whether you want to talk about DeBoer’s time with the Crimson Tide, Washington, or Fresno State, he has earned a reputation as an outstanding offensive play caller. That would be a great fit with quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Jesse Minter (Los Angeles Chargers DC)

When Michigan won its National Championship during the 2023 season, a big reason for that was the impact that Minter made as a defensive coordinator. He has continued to do tremendous things in his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers in the same position, and there are already some rumors about Minter being an NFL head coaching candidate this offseason. That could complicate some things, but it would be surprising if the Michigan staff doesn’t at least reach out to Minter. He would be welcomed back with open arms.

Lincoln Riley (USC head coach) 

It is no secret that Riley continues to keep his eyes open to other opportunities out there. He will be mentioned for these types of jobs, especially when there is a younger quarterback who needs some development. Riley would be a flashy hire, but there is an interesting debate about whether the substance is great. There is no questioning, however, that Riley is a tremendous offensive mind.

Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State head coach) 

After Dillingham was mentioned countlessly for several head coach openings this offseason, Arizona State somehow avoided the chaos. Dillingham is still a younger coach who has a great reputation on the offensive side of the football. Putting some Michigan money behind Dillingham is a pretty scary thought. While it will be a tough pull to get DIllingham away from his alma mater, that doesn’t mean that teams won’t continue to try. The job that he has done with the Sun Devils has been remarkable.

Jedd Fisch (Washington head coach) 

Fisch spent a brief stop in Ann Arbor from 2015-16 as a passing game coordinator, which is one reason you are seeing his name so often with this job. He has a deep coaching background, both in the NFL and on the college level. Fisch is currently the head coach for the Washington Huskies. During his coaching career, which began back to the late 1990s, Fisch has developed a strong reputation as a very good offensive mind, which would be a nice selling point for Bryce Underwood’s future development.

Michigan Wolverines News

The known facts of Sherrone Moore’s firing from Michigan and the ongoing fall out surrounding the head coach’s off-field situation

All of the truth you need to know about former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, and all the controversy that followed.

Ryan Roberts