Favorite emerges to replace Jim Harbaugh as Michigan football coach

There appears to be a consensus on who should replace Jim Harbaugh as the Michigan football coach in 2024 and beyond

It finally happened, after several offseasons of speculation: Jim Harbaugh has left the Michigan football program and returned to the NFL, leaving the Wolverines on the search for a replacement just weeks after winning the national championship. And right off the bat, there appears to be a favorite to take the job.

Michigan is strongly leaning towards promoting offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to the permanent head football coach position, according to insiders. 

Moore, 37, led the Wolverines as interim head coach on the sideline during the final three games of the season, including wins against Penn State and Ohio State, when the Big Ten suspended Harbaugh from team activities over the sign-stealing probe.

In that time, but also long before, Moore has cultivated a serious loyalty among Michigan players. Wolverines offensive lineman Zak Zinter took to X (former Twitter) to say: "No interviews needed. It's Papa Moore's time."

"We are working quickly to hire the next head coach for the program and will do everything possible to keep this current staff and team together," Michigan athletic Warde Manuel said in a statement after Harbaugh departed the school.

Related: How Harbaugh's exit affects Michigan players, transfer portal

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