Harbaugh pushed for Michigan to hire Moore after leaving
Michigan is giving Sherrone Moore a shot, hoping he can sustain at least some of the success Jim Harbaugh had toward the end of his nine-season run with college football's winningest program.
“We're hungry for more,” Moore said Saturday after he was introduced as coach of the Wolverines.
Michigan hired Moore on Friday to replace Harbaugh, who wanted the 37-year-old offensive coordinator to succeed him and lead the defending national champions.
“Jim talked effusively about Sherrone before the season, after the season and in our conversation on Wednesday, and really gave me the insight why he was our choice,” athletic director Warde Manuel said.
The move was made two days after Harbaugh bolted to lead the Los Angeles Chargers, getting a fiveyear deal that gives him another chance to chase a Super Bowl title.
Harbaugh told The Associated Press that Moore is a smart, hard-working teacher who makes a strong connection with players, staff members and families.
“The only person I would want to do the job,” Harbaugh wrote in a text message on Saturday. “I have 100% conviction that he will make us all very proud!!!”
Moore's contract is for five years, with a starting annual salary of $5.5 million, guaranteed annual raises and several bonuses for accomplishments such as conference championships ($500,000), College Football Playoff appearances ($200,000) and national championships ($1 million).
Moore is a first-time head coach — at least formally.
Michigan went 4-0, including wins over Ohio State and Penn State, while Moore was filling in for Harbaugh as he served two separate suspensions for potential NCAA rules violations during the 2023 season.
“I have no doubt he will successfully transition from OC to HC — he had that opportunity 4 times this year, especially PSU, Maryland and OSU,” Harbaugh wrote in a text. “Proof is in the pudding.”
Moore becomes the first Black head coach in the history of Michigan football.
“It's time,” said longtime
Wolverines assistant coach and staffer Fred Jackson, who is Black.
Moore, who is from Kansas, said he hopes to become an inspiration.
“If you work your tail off, dreams can come true,” he said.
Moore also served a one-game suspension during the 2023 season related to a recruiting infractions NCAA case. The NCAA's investigation into allegations of sign-stealing and in-person scouting — which resulted in the late-season three-game suspension of Harbaugh by the Big Ten — has yet to be resolved.
Harbaugh denied involvement in the sign-stealing scheme, and there has been no evidence made public to show Moore, who became Michigan's primary play-caller this season, was involved.
Michigan will have a new quarterback next season because J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL draft.
The Wolverines expect to have running back Donovan Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland back on offense, along with cornerback Will Johnson and tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham on defense.