Michigan football is suddenly in crisis mode, and the fallout may just be getting started.
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The university moved on from head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday after learning the 39-year-old had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Hours later, Moore was jailed on suspicion of assault. The timing could not be worse for a program that expected stability heading into January.
The transfer portal opens on January 2. Players who signed up to play for Moore may already be taking calls. Recruits could reconsider their commitments. Incoming freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is the biggest name on that list, and his future will be watched closely.
The school itself is dealing with leadership questions. Michigan still does not have a permanent president after Santa J. Ono left for Florida in May. Domenico Grasso is serving in the interim. Athletic director Warde Manuel is under scrutiny as well.
Critics have pointed to Wednesday's scandal and past missteps, including the 2019 hiring of gymnastics consultant Rhonda Faehn. Michigan cut ties with Faehn after ESPN reported she was aware of Larry Nassar accusations but did not alert law enforcement.
Manuel received a five-year extension last year through June 2030. The pressure on his office only grows from here.
Moore spent six seasons on Jim Harbaugh's staff before taking over in 2024 when Harbaugh exited for the Chargers. Now Michigan is looking for another coach only two seasons removed from a national title.
One name sits at the top of early lists. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is widely viewed as the obvious option if Michigan swings big. DeBoer is in year two replacing Nick Saban and already holds one of the marquee jobs in the sport. Even so, Alabama's controversial trip to the College Football Playoff this season created tension after a blowout loss to Georgia in the SEC title game.
Alabama visits Oklahoma next Friday in the first round. Any early exit will only increase speculation.
