Michigan’s search for a new head football coach has hit a significant snag as two of their top candidates have seemingly stepped off the table. As day 12 of the search unfolds, reports indicate that Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama, is now less likely to consider a move to Ann Arbor after leading the Tide to a playoff victory against Oklahoma on Friday. The win not only secured Alabama’s spot in the playoffs but also effectively diminished any prospects for a transition to Michigan, where the Wolverines had hoped for an earlier elimination of DeBoer’s team.
“I think Michigan was quietly hoping for Alabama to lose to Oklahoma in the first round of the playoff,” noted MLive’s Aaron McMann, signaling that this outcome has affected Michigan’s coaching ambitions. Furthermore, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham signed a five-year extension to remain with the Sun Devils, marking another setback for the Wolverines.
As Michigan re-evaluates its coaching candidates, attention has turned to a different group, prominently featuring Louisville’s Jeff Brohm and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz. Brohm, in particular, has become a significant name thrown around in discussions within Michigan’s athletic circles, with indications that there is mutual interest regarding the head coaching position.
Time is of the essence for Michigan as the transfer portal opens on January 2. However, McMann stresses the importance of a careful approach to the hiring process. “You don’t want to make a hire just to make a hire. You want to find the right person or at least determine a plan forward,” he expressed, underscoring the need for a strategic decision rather than a rushed one.
The podcast also touched upon other significant developments, including offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey’s impending move to Missouri and the recent success of the basketball team, which secured a win against La Salle. As the search continues, Michigan remains hopeful of finding a head coach that can lead them into a promising future.