Michigan is on the hunt for a new head coach after Sherrone Moore’s departure. The Wolverines are eyeing several big names, including Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz.
This search comes at a pretty crucial moment for Michigan. The program’s looking to keep its edge in an ever-competitive college football scene.
Michigan’s Coaching Search: Key Candidates
With Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer out of the picture, Michigan’s attention has shifted to other promising coaches. According to CBS Sports, the Wolverines have reached out to reps for both Eli Drinkwitz and Kenny Dillingham.
These guys have been linked to a handful of other openings this season. That makes them hot commodities in the coaching carousel, no doubt about it.
Eli Drinkwitz: Missouri’s Rising Star
Eli Drinkwitz has made a splash at Missouri, leading the Tigers to an 8-4 finish this season. He signed a contract extension in November, bumping his average salary to over $10.7 million.
Even so, his buyout is manageable for Michigan if they want to make a move. Drinkwitz has a knack for recruiting and finding talent in the transfer portal, which definitely helps his case.
- Record: 46-28 overall, 26-24 in SEC play
- Accolades: SEC’s 2023 Coach of the Year
- Recent Success: 11 wins in 2023, Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State
There’s a bit of baggage, though. Drinkwitz made some comments about the Connor Stalions saga, so there might be some fences to mend if he ends up in Ann Arbor.
Still, his back-to-back top-20 finishes and steady leadership make him a tempting option for Michigan.
Kenny Dillingham: The Young Prodigy
Kenny Dillingham, coaching at Arizona State, is another top name on Michigan’s list. At just 35, he’s already led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and their first playoff appearance.
His record stands at 22-16, and he took home the Big 12’s Coach of the Year award last season. Not bad for someone still early in his career.
- Record: 22-16 overall
- Accolades: Big 12’s Coach of the Year
- Recent Success: Big 12 title, playoff berth
Dillingham is in talks with Arizona State about a new contract, but nothing’s set in stone yet. He says he hasn’t spoken with Michigan or any other programs about coaching jobs.
Still, he called the Michigan job an “unbelievable brand and a great opportunity for somebody.” You can tell the interest is there, even if he’s playing it cool.
The Impact of a New Coach on Michigan’s Future
Picking a new head coach is a massive decision for Michigan. The program’s next steps depend on it.
Drinkwitz and Dillingham both bring something unique. Either one could take the Wolverines to another level—or at least that’s the hope.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Success
Recruiting is a huge piece of the puzzle. Drinkwitz has shown he can spot hidden gems and get the most out of his roster, even if he’s not working with SEC’s top talent.
Dillingham’s proven he can attract high-level players and mold them into a solid team. That’s the kind of skill Michigan’s looking for right now.
Program Stability and Long-Term Success
Stability matters, too. Drinkwitz’s new deal with Missouri shows he’s committed there, but Michigan’s prestige could be tempting.
Dillingham has deep family roots at Arizona State, which could make leaving tough for him. But the chance at Michigan is hard to ignore for any coach.
Conclusion
Michigan’s hunt for a new head coach is heating up. All eyes are drifting toward Eli Drinkwitz and Kenny Dillingham right now.
Both have their quirks and strengths, and honestly, it’s tough to predict which direction the Wolverines will go. Whoever they choose, it’ll shake things up in Ann Arbor for a while.
If you want to keep tabs on every twist and rumor, check out CBS Sports for the latest updates.
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