Five potential ripple effects of Michigan's stunning firing of HC Sherrone Moore 

It further sullies Michigan's reputation

The last thing Michigan needed was another scandal. Its brand name is still recovering from a sign-stealing scandal, which came to light two years ago. 

In August 2025, the NCAA found that former Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions orchestrated an "impermissible scouting scheme" from 2021-23. During this span, the Wolverines won a national title and made three straight College Football Playoff trips under former HC Jim Harbaugh (now with the Los Angeles Chargers). 

As punishment, the Wolverines must forfeit postseason revenue for the next two seasons and will remain on probation until after the 2029 season. However, some felt that was a slap on the wrist. 

Moore's firing further tarnishes the school's already tainted reputation.

It leaves QB Bryce Underwood's situation up in the air

Freshman QB Underwood — a former five-star recruit — may now want to consider transferring.

The 18-year-old has struggled to meet lofty expectations in his first season in Ann Arbor. He guided the Wolverines to a 9-3 record but threw nine touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranked 13th among 16 eligible Big Ten QBs in completion percentage (61.1%). 

Underwood was already struggling under Moore. Now that Michigan is making a coaching change, that could continue to hinder his development.

Plenty of teams (Miami Hurricanes, LSU Tigers) would be interested in Underwood if he entered the portal. Miami would be a solid destination. Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson played a key role in the development of QB Cam Ward, whom the Tennessee Titans selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

It could affect the team in recruiting/transfer portal

Moore proved to be an effective recruiter for the Wolverines. 247Sports ranked Michigan's 2026 class No. 11 in the country. 

He also landed top players in the portal. Michigan RB Justice Haynes — an Alabama transfer — is tied for eighth in the Big Ten in rushing TDs (10) and ranks ninth in rushing yards (857). 

Players who committed to the program for Moore may now consider going elsewhere. And the longer Michigan goes without a solidified plan at HC, the more players it will lose out on. 

It may force the program to make an unwanted hire 

The timing of Moore's firing is awful for the Wolverines. Many top head-coaching candidates, such as Lane Kiffin (LSU) and James Franklin (Virginia Tech Hokies), have accepted other jobs. 

Other coaches, meanwhile, have signed multiyear contracts. HC Curt Cignetti — who just guided the Indiana Hoosiers to their first Big Ten title since 1967 — probably isn't going anywhere. He signed an eight-year deal worth $11.6M annually in October.

Michigan could target Brian Kelly, whom LSU fired in October. That would be an unpopular choice. He flamed out in his last two seasons with the Tigers, going 14-7. However, the Wolverines have limited options. 

It gives the Ohio State Buckeyes an even bigger edge in rivalry

The Wolverines handed Ohio State four straight losses from 2021-24, but the rivalry may be turning back in the Buckeyes' favor. 

This season, Ohio State crushed Michigan 27-9 in its regular-season finale en route to its second straight CFP appearance. The program could be in a position to keep dominating the rivalry.

247Sports ranks Ohio State's 2026 class No. 6 in the country. With Michigan's head-coaching situation looking uncertain, it only makes it harder for the Wolverines to catch up to the Buckeyes.