Joel Klatt outlines 'obvious' game plan for Michigan if Jim Harbaugh leaves
Joel Klatt believes one thing is clear for Michigan following the latest upheaval across college football. Should Jim Harbaugh return to the NFL this cycle, it is “obvious” the Wolverines should look to elevate offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to the head coaching position.
“After watching what transpired at Alabama & then at Washington & then at Arizona over the last 10 days it is obvious that Michigan should promote Sherrone Moore if Jim Harbaugh decides on NFL,” wrote Klatt on social media. “Coaching changes are now complete chaos.”
After watching what transpired at @AlabamaFTBL & then @UW_Football & then @ArizonaFBall over the last 10 days it is obvious that @UMichFootball should promote Sherrone Moore if Jim Harbaugh decides on NFL…Coaching changes are now complete chaos
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) January 22, 2024
Klatt is of course referencing the snowball effect that launched when Nick Saban announced his retirement. That decision led Alabama to hire Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer which led to the Huskies hiring Arizona head coach Judd Fisch.
Along the way, transfer portal madness and recruiting turnover have followed each and every move. That is simply the nature of this beast in the modern era of college football.
Prospects of Sherrone Moore
To Klatt’s point, keeping Moore in Ann Arbor as the head coach should Harbaugh leave would likely provide some stability for the program. He has received widespread support from current Wolverine players, and his body of work has only grown this season.
Coming out of the 2022 season, Moore’s stock was reportedly on the rise as a head coaching candidate. This past season, he only solidified his candidacy by serving as Michigan’s acting head coach for 4 games — all wins — including dramatic performances against Penn State and Ohio State.
If Harbaugh leaves, Michigan would have a chance to lure any number of coaches to Ann Arbor, but there is certainly something to be said about keeping a potential transition in-house.