Sherrone Moore Is Officially on the Hot Seat at Michigan

11/30/2025

The standards at Michigan Wolverines football have always been national-championship level. When Sherrone Moore took over for Jim Harbaugh, expectations did not drop — they skyrocketed.

Harbaugh left Ann Arbor with an 86–25 record and a national championship. He rebuilt Michigan into a physical, disciplined, playoff-caliber powerhouse. Moore inherited that standard.

Two seasons later, the results are trending in the wrong direction.

Moore currently sits at 16–8 as head coach. While that record may look respectable on paper, it tells a very different story when viewed through Michigan's championship lens. Yes, he is 2–1 against Ohio State Buckeyes, but the most recent loss was alarming — and possibly program-defining.

Michigan was dominated 27–9 in its latest matchup with Ohio State. The numbers were flat-out embarrassing:

  • Time of possession: Ohio State 40:01

  • Third downs: Ohio State 10–17 | Michigan 1–9

  • Second half: Michigan was shut out

This wasn't a close rivalry game. This was a physical and mental breakdown.

Yes, Michigan is playing with several freshmen starters. Yes, youth creates inconsistency. But to be ranked 15th in the College Football Playoff Top 25 and then perform like that on the national stage is inexcusable at this level.

The offense looked lost. The play-calling lacked confidence. The execution showed hesitation. And most concerning — the team did not look like it trusted itself.

What makes the loss even more troubling is that Michigan still had veteran receivers on the field. This was not an entirely inexperienced offense. And yet, when the moment demanded toughness and belief, the unit went completely flat.

Let's be honest about something uncomfortable:
Ohio State now has the blueprint to beat Michigan again.

The physical dominance at the line of scrimmage.
The control of tempo.
The ability to impose will for four full quarters.

That matters.

Here's the real issue — and the reason Moore should officially be on the hot seat for 2026:

  • Back-to-back seasons outside the playoff picture

  • A national embarrassment against your biggest rival

  • Offensive regression

  • No clear national identity

At Michigan, that combination equals alarm bells.

Another loss to Ohio State plus another season outside the playoff would make it very clear: Michigan would need to begin searching for another head coach. The tolerance for rebuilding is minimal in Ann Arbor. The expectation is championships — not explanations.

Sherrone Moore inherited a loaded program.
Now he must prove he can lead one.

Because at Michigan, potential doesn't save jobs.
Results do.

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