Michigan's coaching search is in full swing, with the Wolverines seeking a new head coach to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired for cause due to an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer. According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, Kalen DeBoer, the second-year Alabama head coach, remains Michigan's top target. However, DeBoer has publicly stated his intention to remain at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide's performance in tonight's game could impact Michigan's pursuit of him.
"Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain committed to hiring Kalen DeBoer, but the outcome of tonight's game will be crucial," Thamel said on ESPN's College GameDay. "An Alabama loss would make it more feasible to pursue DeBoer."
Despite DeBoer's public commitment to Alabama, Michigan has not ruled out other candidates. Thamel revealed that Michigan has engaged in exploratory conversations with several coaches, including Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State, Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri, and Jedd Fisch of Washington. The Wolverines are considering these alternatives while keeping DeBoer as their primary option.
"Michigan officials aren't solely focused on DeBoer," Thamel explained. "They've had exploratory talks with other candidates this week, including Dillingham, Drinkwitz, and Fisch. The hiring pool, if not DeBoer, would likely include these three coaches."
The timing is crucial, as two of these coaches, Dillingham and Drinkwitz, have bowl games scheduled after Christmas. Michigan's athletic director, Warde Manuel, made the decision to fire Moore after substantiated allegations of an inappropriate relationship, leading to Moore's arrest and charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering.
