The state of the entire Michigan football program is in flux at the moment as it looks find a replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was fired on Wednesday afternoon after the university found him culpable in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
While many might think the Wolverines need to rush to find a new leader, it will be important for the athletic department to do its due diligence and make sure they have the right man for the job. The next head coach will be vital for retaining several key players on the roster, including quarterback Bryce Underwood.
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According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos ($) on Thursday, Underwood’s NIL contract he signed last year doesn’t include a buyout. That could drastically lower the financial commitment any school would need to make to pry the former five-star out of Ann Arbor.
Additionally, Nakos made it clear that Underwood and those around him will be keeping a close eye on the coaching search as they determine his next steps.
“(Sherrone) Moore’s firing and who the next (head coach) at Michigan will be will be critical to determining Bryce Underwood’s future in Ann Arbor, sources emphasized to On3,” Nakos wrote.
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Of course, Underwood was committed to LSU for nearly a year before flipping to Michigan last November. The Tigers and new head coach Lane Kiffin would likely love to bring Underwood into the fold if they could, while countless other schools would certainly be interested in him as well if he opts to enter the portal.
One can’t expect the athletic department to fully cater specifically to what Underwood is looking for in a head coach, but it seems like this will be an important thing to consider.
Furthermore, whoever ends up taking the reigns of the program will have to do their part to make sure the Wolverines don’t lose the handful of young contributors from the 2025. They will also have to prevent any further attrition from the 2026 recruiting class after Michigan signee Matt Ludwig was granted release from his letter of intent on Thursday.
Changes and attrition are fast approaching for the program. Let’s see just how drastic they are in the days and weeks ahead.
