Sherrone Moore shares vision for Michigan after being named HC

New Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sherrone Moore shares vision for Michigan after being named Jim Harbaugh's successor

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/26/24

Michigan finally made the move everyone saw coming on Friday, naming former offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore as the program's 21st and first Black head coach.

Shortly after the announcement, Moore thanked Jim Harbaugh and Michigan for their faith while sharing his vision for the program's future.

"Our standards will not change," Moore said, via a statement released by Michigan. "We will be a tough, physical, disciplined, hungry, championship-level team that loves football and plays with a passion for the game, the winged helmet, and each other."

So blessed to be apart of this great University! Excited to continue to what we have built! #GoBlue #SMASH https://t.co/QRJsOBjhCM
— Sherrone Moore (@Coach_SMoore) January 27, 2024

Moore has been at Michigan since 2018 and was the obvious choice for the head-coaching vacancy. However, acting as interim head coach while Harbaugh served two separate suspensions in 2023 played a massive role in the school's decision. In the statement released by the program, athletic director Warde Manuel praised Moore for stepping up "when the program and especially the team needed him."

"Sherrone handled that situation in a way that sealed my already growing confidence in him," Manuel said. "He didn't make it about him, it was always about the team!"

Amid all the good feelings over Moore's hire, the tough hill left to climb looms large over Michigan. Filling Harbaugh's shoes is a tall enough task, but he'll also have expectations of keeping the Wolverines atop the college football mountain.

That won't be easy without the aura of Harbaugh and many of the players who helped win the national championship, which isn't a short list, highlighted by standout quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

How things ultimately work out with Moore at the helm in the immediate aftermath of Harbaugh's exit remains to be seen. However, if Friday's announcement is any indication, Michigan believes it has found the perfect man for the job.

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