Los Angeles, California – After Jim Harbaugh made the decision to leave the University of Michigan and head to sunny Southern California, attention turned to Sherrone Moore as a potential replacement for the Wolverines’ head coach. In less than 48 hours, the announcement was made official, leading fans to believe that Moore is ready to take on this new challenge.
Moore, who served as the acting head coach for Michigan during their championship season in 2023, boasting an unbeaten record of 4-0, has already proven his capabilities. Notably, he secured victories against Penn State and Ohio State, two crucial rivals in the regular season.
While Moore’s appointment as head coach is exciting, there are still unanswered questions about what lies ahead for the Michigan football program. Here are five key inquiries we have regarding Moore stepping into Harbaugh’s shoes.
First and foremost, everyone is eager to know how much of the current coaching staff will be retained and which individuals will be promoted. The staff’s positive reaction on social media suggests that they are pleased with Moore’s appointment. Preserving the existing staff, which played a vital role in Michigan’s national championship, will be crucial for maintaining team cohesion.
During his introductory press conference, Moore expressed his desire to keep Ben Herbert, the team’s esteemed strength and conditioning coach. This decision demonstrates the importance of continuity and the value Moore places on the existing staff’s contributions. Additionally, Moore will need to hire a linebackers coach and potentially a defensive coordinator, as Jesse Minter is rumored to be joining Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers.
One question that arises with Moore’s appointment as head coach is whether the team’s success in 2023 was due to the team’s talent or Moore’s leadership. As a first-time head coach, Moore faces the challenge of guiding the reigning national champions in a new season that will see significant changes in the roster. It remains to be seen if Moore can maintain the same mentality and culture within the team when faced with adversity.
Recruiting is another aspect impacted by Moore’s appointment. While Moore has built a reputation as an exceptional recruiter, players were drawn to Michigan in part because of Harbaugh’s successful track record and his NFL background. The challenge for Moore will be to convince recruits that Michigan remains an attractive destination despite the absence of Harbaugh.
Developing a quarterback will also be a test for Moore. Harbaugh’s tenure saw him successfully identify and develop quarterbacks like Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, both of whom played significant roles in Michigan’s recent success. It remains to be seen if Moore can continue this trend and cultivate talented quarterbacks for the team.
Lastly, Moore’s emphasis on embracing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) raises questions about the university’s stance on this issue. Harbaugh was outspoken about empowering players and advocated for them to be directly paid. While Michigan has been somewhat cautious in embracing NIL, Moore appears to be more proactive in this regard. This shift could potentially impact recruiting and help bridge the gap left by Harbaugh’s departure.
As the Michigan Wolverines embark on a new era with Sherrone Moore at the helm, expectations for the program remain high. Moore’s ability to address the aforementioned questions will undoubtedly shape the team’s future. Through continuity in coaching staff, successful recruiting, and quarterback development, Moore has the opportunity to build upon the program’s impressive run and maintain Michigan’s competitive edge in college football.