Michigan is considering Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees as a potential replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was recently dismissed from his position. According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, Rees has garnered attention due to his extensive experience, including his previous roles as offensive coordinator at Notre Dame and Alabama.
Rees’ name has circulated frequently during this coaching cycle, including a reported interview for the head coaching vacancy at Penn State, which ultimately resulted in the hiring of Matt Campbell from Iowa State. Having joined the Browns’ coaching staff in 2024 as the pass game coordinator and tight ends coach, Rees became the offensive coordinator this season. As Cleveland prepares to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday, he has faced the challenges of coordinating an offense that has seen action from three different quarterbacks and ranks near the bottom of the league with 3,508 total yards.
Rees’ coaching career is notable for his previous success at Alabama, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2023 under Nick Saban. During his time with the Crimson Tide, the team achieved a strong offensive performance, averaging 393.1 yards and 34 points per game, landing them in the top rankings of the SEC. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had an impressive season under Rees’ direction, earning a spot as a Heisman finalist with over 3,800 passing yards.
Prior to his stint at Alabama, Rees spent three years as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, the school where he also played as a quarterback from 2010 to 2013. Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish averaged 31.8 points per game in 2023, showcasing his ability to develop offensive talent.
Michigan’s search for a new head coach is in the early stages following Moore’s termination, which was attributed to violations of university policy after evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member was found. The Wolverines finished their regular season at 9-3, concluding with a loss to Ohio State. They are now preparing for a Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas, with interim head coach Biff Poggi set to lead the team through the bowl game.
As the Wolverines look to secure a new leader, Rees’ proven track record and familiarity within high-pressure environments could make him a compelling candidate for the head coaching role.