Ohio State has an opportunity for payback with Michigan’s recent appointment of a new head coach.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Shortly after the announcement of Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan to the NFL, the Wolverines have selected his successor by drawing inspiration from Ohio State’s approach.
Michigan will elevate offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to the position of head coach after a season where he effectively served as interim head coach for a significant number of games, given Harbaugh’s suspensions. Harbaugh faced a four-week suspension at the beginning of the season for recruiting violations and a three-game suspension at the end for involvement in a sign-stealing scandal, a major focal point of the regular season.
During these periods, Moore stepped in as head coach on game days, overseeing notable victories such as a 30-24 win against the Buckeyes to conclude the regular season and a triumph over Penn State that led to an emotional postgame interview. Now, Moore assumes the role permanently, marking his first head coaching position.
This strategy mirrors Ohio State’s 2018 approach when Ryan Day succeeded Urban Meyer following his retirement. Like Moore, Day served as interim head coach during Meyer’s suspension that season.
Moore’s appointment provides Michigan with stability as they enter an offseason marked by the departure of their head coach and key players from a national championship-winning team. However, there is a possibility that Moore could be entering a coaching role still facing potential repercussions for the sign-stealing scandal.
As Ohio State builds momentum for a promising season and observes Harbaugh’s departure, the man who played a crucial role in delivering the final blow on the sideline this past season is now poised to establish his coaching legacy. At the very least, the November 30th rematch in Columbus will feature Day and Moore as the central figures in what is arguably the most significant rivalry in sports.
