With the Michigan Wolverines’ football program in disarray following the firing and arrest of former head coach Sherrone Moore, it is in need of a new leader at this time.
Biff Poggi has been named as interim head coach and will lead the Wolverines, ranked No. 18 in the latest Associated Press top 25 poll, against No. 14-ranked Texas in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on New Year’s Eve. Poggi is not expected to get the full-time gig as Michigan’s next head coach, though.
Who Might Michigan Target As Its Next HC?
While a couple of names have been mentioned in the rumor mill for the Michigan job, one analyst states that there’s really only one man for the job.
“There’s only one right answer for Michigan’s next head coach: Kenny Dillingham,” PFSN Analyst James Fragoza said.
For some context around Fragoza’s comment on the current Arizona State head coach, Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso said the next HC must have “highest moral character.” A new head coach also must have the ability to develop freshman Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood and come in as a proven winner.
On those points, it appears that Dillingham does check those boxes off quite well. Dillingham has proven to be very dedicated to Arizona State, which is Dillingham’s alma mater. Fragoza indicates that if there’s any way Michigan can lure Dillingham away from Arizona State, then the school must do it.
According to the PFSN CFB Offense Impact metrics, the Sun Devils’ offense has an impact score of 75.9 and grades out to a C. Arizona State is currently 8-4 for the season. This bowl season, Arizona State will head to El Paso, Texas, where the Sun Devils will battle the ACC Championship Game-winning Duke Blue Devils on New Year’s Eve at the Sun Bowl.
In two-plus seasons as Arizona State’s head coach, Dillingham has a 22-16 overall record. With running back Cam Skattebo on board last season, Arizona State reached the College Football Playoff, where the Sun Devils lost to Texas 39-31 in the Peach Bowl.
Ironically, Michigan and Arizona State have bowl games this season on the same day. This could lead to some interesting postgame comments from the Wolverines and Sun Devils, especially from Dillingham. Michigan has not said a word about who the school wants as it looks for a head coach who can help shape the program into better form.
