Latest intel suggests top candidate for Michigan Wolverines head coach is no longer among top contenders to replace Sherrone Moore
Michigan’s head coaching search may have just eliminated one of their top contenders to replace Sherrone Moore
The Michigan Wolverines are a week into their search for a new head coach to replace Sherrone Moore after a shocking saga unfolded last week. The search has already turned up several promising leads, and a job like Michigan will no doubt have plenty of suitors across the country.
As the search unfolds, candidates will rise and fall as the parameters continue to change and the various figures involved develop their preferences. This search has already eliminated a fair number of coaches, but a surprising new development has emerged for a figure once thought to be one of the top candidates.
Jedd Fisch ‘out of the running’ for Michigan Wolverines?
On Tuesday night, sources around the program informed me that current Washington head coach and former Michigan assistant Jedd Fisch has seen his stock “fall” in Michigan’s coaching search, and the Wolverines have their focus on other “stronger” candidates. Once considered a fairly decent name in contention, Fisch now seems to be on the outside looking in for the Wolverines’ head coaching position.
The Wolverine, Michigan’s On3 affiliate, reported similar Tuesday night, revealing perhaps even more crucial information:
“Finally, as we reported last night, background checks were ongoing, and some candidates moved up and some down the list as a result. Other candidates’ camps are aware that Washington coach Jedd Fisch is ‘no longer considered a very realistic option’ for Michigan at this point (last night it was called “not disqualifying,” though others believe it is).”
Whatever was flagged during background checks was clearly enough for Michigan to turn its attention elsewhere. I don’t know what popped up during that search, and I think it’s unfair to speculate at this stage, but the Wolverines are having to adopt a “better safe than sorry” approach here, given all the issues surrounding the athletic department in recent years.
Now, I don’t believe this completely eliminates Fisch as a candidate. As we reported last week, the top two candidates for the Wolverines are still Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham. That hasn’t changed, and there has been plenty of mutual interest with both. Until either says no, the search revolves around those two.
If they both say no, as both are in negotiations with their respective programs for new extensions, then Michigan’s search turns to the rest of the field, in which Fisch would no doubt be a part of. However, it seems like Michigan wants to turn over a new leaf and move away from the Harbaugh era, which would likely push Fisch’s name even further down the list.