In a bold move to sustain the success achieved by former coach Jim Harbaugh, the University of Michigan has appointed Sherrone Moore as the new head coach of its football program. The announcement was made on Friday, just two days after Harbaugh left the position to lead the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

Moore, a 37-year-old offensive coordinator, was Harbaugh's preferred choice to lead the defending national champions. Athletic director Warde Manuel revealed that Harbaugh had spoken highly of Moore before, during, and after the season, emphasizing his qualifications for the role.

With a five-year contract, Moore is set to earn a base salary of $500,000, with an additional $5 million in compensation for the first year. Both his salary and additional compensation will see a 2% increase in subsequent years. Moreover, if Moore remains head coach for the entirety of the contract year, he will receive $500,000 per year.

The new head coach will also have the opportunity to earn up to $3.5 million in bonuses, including $500,000 for winning a conference championship and a whopping $1 million for clinching the national championship. However, Moore's buyout starts at $5 million and progressively decreases by $1 million each year, reaching $1 million in the final year of the contract.

Despite being a first-time head coach officially, Moore has experience leading the team, stepping in for Harbaugh during his suspensions in the 2023 season. Michigan remained undefeated under Moore's guidance, securing victories against rivals Ohio State and Penn State.

Moore's appointment also marks a historic moment for the University of Michigan, as he becomes the first Black head coach in the history of Michigan football. Longtime Wolverines assistant coach and staffer Fred Jackson, who is Black, expressed his support, stating that the time had come for such representation.

Speaking about his appointment, Moore shared his hopes of becoming an inspiration, emphasizing the importance of hard work and the realization of dreams. He also addressed the suspension he faced during the 2023 season due to an NCAA recruiting infraction case. The investigation into sign-stealing allegations and in-person scouting is still ongoing. However, no evidence has been made public implicating Moore.

Looking ahead, Michigan will have a new quarterback next season as J.J. McCarthy has entered the NFL draft. However, the team expects key players such as Donovan Edwards, Colston Loveland, Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham to return, bolstering both the offense and defense.

Moore's appointment received resounding support from both the former head coach and current players. Harbaugh described Moore as a smart and diligent teacher who forms strong connections with players, staff, and their families. Players privately lobbied for Moore to be given the opportunity, with Edwards expressing his joy and belief that Moore truly deserves the position.

Prior to joining the Wolverines, Moore's coaching journey started in 2009 as a graduate assistant at Louisville. He later moved on to coach tight ends at Louisville and Central Michigan before being hired by Harbaugh in 2018.

Moore expressed his gratitude for the trust and faith placed in him by Harbaugh and the players. Pledging to maintain a diligent work ethic, he emphasized that he would approach the role with the same mindset as when he served as a graduate assistant.

As Moore takes the helm, the University of Michigan hopes to continue its winning tradition under his leadership, aiming to build on the success achieved during Harbaugh's tenure and inspire future generations of athletes.