In a surprising turn of events, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team, is reportedly exploring opportunities to return to the NFL after three successful years with his alma mater. As talks with NFL teams begin, the Wolverines are left contemplating potential successors, and one strong candidate has emerged: Wolverines offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore.

The 37-year-old Moore has garnered attention, particularly in the last month of the regular season, for his impressive coaching abilities. When Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten during a challenging stretch of games, Moore stepped in and led Michigan to victory against top-10 team Penn State, managed a difficult road game against Maryland, and continued the team's dominance over arch-rival Ohio State. Players within the program have expressed their admiration for Moore, citing his significant impact on their development and love for the game.

Wolverines offensive lineman Trevor Keegan spoke highly of Moore, stating that the offensive coordinator changed his entire perspective on football and reignited his passion for the game. With a work ethic that commands respect, Moore has risen through the ranks from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, making him a desirable candidate for head coaching positions.

Promoting from within has historically yielded positive results for major programs. Examples include Jimbo Fisher taking over at Florida State after Bobby Bowden's retirement, leading the Seminoles to a national title, and David Shaw stepping up as head coach at Stanford after Harbaugh's departure a decade ago. However, the ongoing NCAA investigation into a sign-stealing scandal may be a point of concern for Michigan's decision-makers. If Moore is implicated in the investigation, the university may opt for a fresh start.

Amidst the search for Harbaugh's potential replacement, another name has surfaced in the coaching carousel: Lance Leipold, the head coach of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Leipold, who has achieved remarkable turnarounds throughout his coaching career, led the Jayhawks from being the worst Power 5 program to a winning season and a victory over Oklahoma. With deep roots in the Midwest, Leipold's ability to instill a winning culture and excel with limited resources makes him an intriguing option for Michigan.

Chris Klieman of Kansas State, known for his success in lower divisions of football, has also garnered attention. Winning four FCS titles at North Dakota State, Klieman led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022 and a second consecutive top-20 finish this past year. The opportunity to coach at a blue-blood program in the Big Ten could entice Klieman to make a move.

Another coach whose name has been tossed into the mix is Brian Kelly of Louisiana State University. Despite a solid debut season with the Tigers, winning the SEC West in 2022, Kelly faced disappointment this past year as the team fell short of high expectations. The fit between Kelly and Louisiana has raised questions since his arrival, fueling speculation that he may consider coaching at Michigan if given the opportunity.

As Michigan weighs its options, the departure of Jim Harbaugh leaves a significant void in their football program. Whoever inherits the position will have big shoes to fill, and the decision will undoubtedly shape the future of the Wolverines.