Jenai Eastman

11/11/2024

michigan

Replacing a legend like Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan was always bound to be a herculean task. Harbaugh’s tenure showcased a history of success at every level, from an AP Top 5 finish at Stanford to a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers, and ultimately turning Michigan into a powerhouse averaging 10.5 wins per season, claiming Big Ten titles and a national championship. Given such high standards, it seemed baffling when, even before Harbaugh’s NFL return, rumblings around Ann Arbor suggested Sherrone Moore, the then-offensive coordinator with zero head-coaching experience, could be his successor. While Moore initially garnered some stamps of approval from analysts, ten games into his leadership, the Wolverines find themselves at a disappointing 5-5 after a narrow defeat to Indiana. Michigan undeniably lost key players to the NFL and felt the aftermath of Harbaugh’s late departure, which crippled their transfer portal strategy. However, Moore’s handling of the existing talent hasn’t inspired confidence. While the recruitment for the 2025 class shows promise, the real question lies in whether Moore’s staff can transform potential into prowess on the field. Concerns are growing with strategic blunders and looming inefficacy, notably in offensive coordination with Kirk Campbell’s play-calling falling short. Despite defensive bright spots, consistency remains elusive. Subpar tackling and clock management blunders highlight a worrying regression compared to Harbaugh’s era. If Michigan aspires to repeat its past glories, decisive leadership — potentially signaling a coaching pivot — may be imperative in upcoming seasons.