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It's official; Jim Harbaugh is moving on to the NFL, leaving the University of Michigan in search of a new head coach. Harbaugh's tenure saw Michigan's resurgence in college football, including a national championship, multiple Big Ten titles, and victories against arch-rivals Ohio State. As the coaching carousel begins, let's take a closer look at the pluses, minuses, and potential candidates for the prestigious Michigan football coaching job.
The Pluses:
1. Michigan is a National Championship Program: For years, Michigan football seemed like a sleeping giant, with a rich history but falling short of the sport's pinnacle. Harbaugh changed that narrative, demonstrating that Michigan could compete at the highest level. They claimed a national championship and produced substantial NFL draft classes. The Wolverines have proven their ability to develop talent and win on a big stage.
2. Strong Foundation in Place: Despite losing key players to the NFL, Michigan has a solid foundation with promising talents like Donovan Edwards, Colston Loveland, Mason Graham, and Will Johnson. Their potential, coupled with potential portal acquisitions, offers hope for continued success.
3. Abundant Resources: Michigan boasts a top-tier football program with abundant resources, including impressive facilities and a rich tradition. The program's financial investment in football is evident, ranking among the top in the nation.
The Minuses:
1. Recruiting Challenges: Michigan's recent success wasn't solely built on recruiting top-ranked classes. They often outperformed their recruiting rankings, emphasizing player development. However, with other powerhouse programs in the mix, there's a question of whether Michigan can maintain its competitive edge without top-tier recruiting.
Potential Coaching Candidates:
1. Sherrone Moore (Offensive Coordinator): Moore stands out as an internal candidate with impressive credentials. He boasts victories over Penn State and Ohio State as an interim head coach and has the trust of players. Moore's continuity could be a valuable asset.
2. Lance Leipold (Kansas Head Coach): Leipold has worked wonders at Kansas, turning around a struggling program. With Midwest roots and a track record of success, he could be a strong candidate.
3. Chris Klieman (Kansas State Head Coach): Klieman has a history of winning, including a Big 12 championship, and could be a viable option if he can maintain recruiting at a high level.
4. Todd Monken (Ravens OC) & Mike Macdonald (Ravens DC): Both have NFL experience and connections to the Harbaugh family. Monken's offensive expertise and Macdonald's defensive acumen make them intriguing options.
5. Matt Campbell (Iowa State Head Coach): Campbell has achieved remarkable success at Iowa State, making him an attractive candidate, although he might be less inclined to leave.
6. Luke Fickell (Wisconsin Head Coach): Fickell's successful stint at Cincinnati and Ohio roots make him an interesting prospect, although his recent move to Wisconsin adds complexity.
7. Dave Clawson (Wake Forest Head Coach): Clawson's ability to excel at challenging programs and develop talent could make him a dark horse candidate.
As Michigan embarks on its coaching search, it's a time of anticipation and uncertainty. The Wolverines have the potential to remain a football powerhouse, but the right coaching hire will be crucial. The decision will shape the future of Michigan football and determine whether they continue their upward trajectory in college football.