Michigan has made a bold move by promoting offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to head coach, following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL. Moore, who led the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997, will face high expectations and challenges in his new role.
Who is Sherrone Moore?
Moore, 37, is a former offensive lineman at Oklahoma, where he won a national title in 2000. He began his coaching career at Louisville, where he worked with future NFL stars such as Teddy Bridgewater and DeVante Parker. He then spent four years at Central Michigan, coaching the tight ends and the offensive line.
He joined Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan in 2018, initially as the tight ends coach. He was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2021, and became the sole offensive coordinator in 2022. Under his guidance, Michigan’s offensive line won the prestigious Joe Moore Award in 2021 and 2022, and the offense ranked among the best in the nation.
Moore also served as the interim head coach for six games in 2022, when Harbaugh was suspended twice for violating NCAA and Big Ten rules. Moore led the Wolverines to a 6-0 record in those games, including wins over Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State. He was widely praised for his leadership and play-calling skills, and was seen as the obvious successor to Harbaugh.
Why did Harbaugh leave Michigan?
Harbaugh, who played quarterback at Michigan and in the NFL, returned to his alma mater in 2015, after a successful stint as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He quickly turned around a struggling program, leading the Wolverines to five 10-win seasons, three Big Ten titles, and two College Football Playoff appearances.
However, Harbaugh also faced criticism for his inability to beat Ohio State, his controversial antics, and his involvement in several scandals. In 2022, he was suspended for three games by the school for recruiting violations, and for another three games by the conference for allegedly stealing signs from opponents. He also clashed with the administration over his contract and his future plans.
Harbaugh decided to leave Michigan after winning his first national championship, beating Georgia 31-28 in the title game. He agreed to a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, who fired Anthony Lynn after a disappointing 7-9 season. Harbaugh said he was grateful for his time at Michigan, but felt it was time for a new challenge.
What are the challenges for Moore at Michigan?
Moore inherits a talented and experienced roster, but also a lot of pressure and scrutiny. He will have to live up to the high standards set by Harbaugh, who won 86 games and a national title in nine seasons. He will also have to deal with the fierce competition in the Big Ten, especially from Ohio State, which has hired former NFL coach Bill O’Brien to replace Ryan Day.
Moore will also have to prove himself as a recruiter, a motivator, and a manager. He will have to replace some key players who are leaving for the NFL, such as quarterback Cade McNamara, running back Blake Corum, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. He will also have to hire a new defensive coordinator, as Mike Macdonald followed Harbaugh to the Chargers.
Moore said he is ready for the challenge, and that he has learned a lot from Harbaugh and his other mentors. He said he will continue the legacy of championship football at Michigan, and that he will lead the team with passion, enthusiasm, and integrity. He said he is honored and humbled to be the first Black head coach in the program’s history, and that he hopes to inspire others with his example.
How will Michigan fare in 2024?
Michigan has a tough schedule in 2024, starting with a home game against Texas, which is ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll. The Wolverines will also face USC, Washington, Oregon, and Ohio State, all of which are ranked in the top 10. Michigan will have to rely on its returning stars, such as wide receiver Roman Wilson, linebacker Josh Ross, and safety Daxton Hill, as well as some newcomers, such as quarterback JJ McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards, and defensive end Braiden McGregor.
Michigan is ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll, behind Alabama, and is expected to contend for another Big Ten title and a playoff spot. However, the Wolverines will also face high expectations and a lot of scrutiny, as they try to repeat their success from 2022. Moore will have to prove himself as a worthy successor to Harbaugh, and as a capable leader of one of the most storied programs in college football.
Source:
Jim Harbaugh pushed for Michigan to hire Sherrone Moore after leaving to lead Chargers. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/jim-harbaugh-pushed-michigan-hire-sherrone-moore-after-106735129
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