Here’s a bombshell for college football fans: Michigan’s coaching search is heating up, and the names being floated are nothing short of intriguing. But here’s where it gets controversial—the university, reeling from the abrupt firing of Sherrone Moore, has reportedly reached out to Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, according to an AP source. This move comes just days after Moore’s shocking dismissal, which was tied to allegations of an inappropriate relationship and subsequent criminal charges. Talk about a program in turmoil.
Let’s break it down. Moore’s sudden exit wasn’t just a coaching change—it was a scandal that left Michigan scrambling to stabilize its football program. The school is now under pressure to hire a new coach quickly, ideally this month, to salvage its recruiting efforts and prevent key players from entering the transfer portal in January. And this is the part most people miss—the timing couldn’t be worse, as top candidates like Dillingham and Drinkwitz are already entrenched in their roles and have little incentive to leave.
Dillingham, a 35-year-old rising star, has been linked to multiple coaching vacancies but recently reaffirmed his commitment to Arizona State, his alma mater. His resume is impressive: after graduating from ASU in 2013, he climbed the coaching ladder with stops at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon before returning to Tempe. Last year, he engineered a remarkable turnaround, leading the Sun Devils to their first-ever Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance. With a 22-16 record over three seasons, he’s a hot commodity—but will Michigan’s offer be enough to lure him away?
Then there’s Drinkwitz, a 42-year-old coach who’s built a solid foundation at Missouri. After a stellar 12-1 season at Appalachian State, he’s gone 46-28 in six seasons with the Tigers, transforming them into a consistent Southeastern Conference contender with five straight bowl bids. Just two weeks ago, he signed a six-year, $10.75 million annual contract—a clear sign of Missouri’s commitment to him. Here’s the bold question: Would he really walk away from that deal for Michigan?
This coaching search isn’t just about finding a replacement—it’s about restoring Michigan’s reputation and competitiveness. But with Dillingham and Drinkwitz both seemingly content in their current roles, the Wolverines might need to think outside the box. What do you think? Is Michigan aiming too high, or could one of these coaches be convinced to take on this challenge? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
