The Michigan football program is completely in disarray after one of the weirdest weeks in its history. Just a little over a week after losing to rivals Ohio State in one of the most-watched games of the season, the school fired head coach Sherrone Moore after they were given proof of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Then, the former coach was later arrested for assaulting that person.
It has created a messy situation where they must not only try and change the narrative after an ugly incident with a top person in the program, but also do so when many of the best replacement options are off the board. One way to overshadow the problem, if they can’t bring in a big-name coach, would be to hire a Michigan alum to replace Moore.
With that in mind, here are five bold UM alum options to be the next head coach, including NFL legend Tom Brady.
Scot Loeffler
Current Philadelphia Eagles QB coach Scott Loeffler is a graduate of the class of 1998 who was also once the head coach at Bowling Green. He has had his current role during stops at Florida (with Tim Tebow), the Detroit Lions, and at Michigan.
While he isn’t a sexy name, he understands the college game, as well as the pressures and expectations of the university.
Mike Hart
Another option with links to the Jim Harbaugh era is former Michigan running backs coach and coordinator Mike Hart. The all-time leader in rushing yards for the Wolverines was a part of their championship staff in 2023 before moving on to work with Eastern Michigan. The university may want to have no links to the Harbaugh era, but the 39-year-old has learned and lived what it takes to win at Michigan, on and off the field.
Tom Brady
Does New England Patriots icon Tom Brady have any coaching experience at any level? No. But no move would completely change the narrative after this week more than hiring the former Wolverines star. It is the sort of move that would draw a ton of interest and might help the program avoid a mass exodus in the transfer portal soon.
Brady absolutely loves Michigan and would probably relish returning to the field in such a prominent role. The biggest hindrance would be the pay cut he would take by leaving his FOX gig and his obligations to the Las Vegas Raiders as a minority owner.
Charles Woodson
Another intriguing option with zero coaching experience would be Charles Woodson. The legendary defensive back is, arguably, the greatest player in program history. While he has never had any coaching position of note, he understands the game and has the charisma to connect with today’s young players.
Think of it as a very high-risk version of when Deion Sanders jumped into coaching at Jackson State. Like Brady, it would also be a hiring that flips the narrative at the school.
Larry Foote
One last Michigan alum that could be considered for head coach is former Wolverines star Larry Foote. The current run game coordinator and linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is putting together a solid coaching career and is working his way up towards bigger roles.
It would be a huge leap to be the head coach at Michigan, but like Hart, he knows what it takes to win on the field, and also understands the pressures of the position.
