Jim Harbaugh Leaves Michigan - Will Sherrone Moore Be The Next Head Coach?
On a new episode of the Ruffino & Joe podcast, they discuss Jim Harbaugh. After winning a National Championship, Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is headed back to the NFL to take over the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh’s departure leaves a huge void for a program amidst an NCAA investigation. As the Wolverines look to build momentum off their successful season, here are three candidates that make the most sense to take over the team.
1. Michigan OC/OL Coach Sherrone Moore
The most inevitable candidate appears to be the man who stood in as the interim head coach for the win over Ohio State. Moore has been classified as one of the most important pieces to Michigan’s success as a program, especially for his development of their offensive line. In 2021 and 2022, Moore’s offensive lines won the Joe Moore Award as the best offensive line unit in the country.
Promoting Moore also makes sense for roster continuity, as we just witnessed Alabama’s roster suffer massive losses through the transfer portal. To ensure the top players like Mason Graham, Donovan Edwards, and Will Johnson don’t hit the portal, it makes the most sense to promote Moore.
2. Kansas HC Lance Leipold
Leipold has consistently been acknowledged as a next-up coaching candidate for a major job since his early, unexpected success at Kansas. In his time in the Power 5, he’s led Kansas to a 17-21 record, with a 9-4 season in 2023. Leipold also notably was highly successful at Wisconsin-Whitewater, totaling six Division III national titles from 2007-2014.
3. Chris Kleiman HC Kansas State
In 5 years, Kleiman has returned Kansas State to Big-12 prominence with a conference title in 2022 and back-to-back 9-plus win seasons. Like Leipold, Kleiman has strong ties to Big Ten country, having been a player at Northern Iowa and winning 4 FCS National Titles while leading North Dakota State. His long-term success provides a very high floor for Michigan.
