Article (paywalled) about Sherrone Moore in The Athletic
Who is Sherrone Moore? How he became Michigan football’s clear Jim Harbaugh successor
(by Austin Meek on Feb 12, 2024)
While perusing a news feed I found this interesting article. The quotes in particular ramped up my readiness for 2024 Michigan football:
([<and>] added by poster)
[Before PSU game] "Fellas, we’re going to run the ball right up their ass."
“That’s just Sherrone,” said Gerald McCoy, a 12-year NFL veteran and No. 3 draft pick who played with Moore at Oklahoma. “He’s very passionate about what he does, and even more so about the people he does it with.” [sound familiar?]
“We’d win a game, and it was like, ‘Hey, Sherrone, is the house open?’” McCoy [Gerald McCoy, former teammate at Oklahoma] said. “Before you know it, there was a whole party at his house that he didn’t plan. He was so willing to have people at his house, and he was so cool. That’s just who he was.”
“The thing that kept coming across was, he was prepared,” said [former Louisville fellow coach (offensive coordinator) Shawn] Watson, now the head coach at Wofford. “He was ready.”
“He is the man for the job,” [Jesse] Minter said. “I can’t say that enough. Sherrone is the right man for the job.”
However things end up going it sure sounds like a lot of the people who know him think highly of Sherrone Moore. Personally I can't wait to see how things go, and as a highly impatient person April 20th (spring game) is wayyyyy too far away.
February 15th, 2024 at 2:03 AM ^
I’m super excited for the new era. Whatever will happen will happen and I’m willing to give Moore room to grow and even lose a little. Will miss the guys and coaches leaving after this year but looking forward.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:57 AM ^
Moore should be excellent and is a perfect fit at UM given his understanding of the trenches, leaning on the O-line for 4 quarters, run heavy offensive philosophy but a willingness to take chances, not overthinking or trying to fix what's clearly working, and most importantly - ability to build authentic, genuine relationships.
Learning under a football maniac and savant like Jim is priceless, of course, but as many around the program have cited, the "culture" the last few years was as much about Moore and Herbert -sigh :( - as anyone else on the staff.
The real question, and most important question, however isn't Moore's ability to be a top tier HC, imo. It's where UM goes in this new era of CFB with NIL, transfers, and the 12 team playoff. Will this AD and university back him and the program with the necessary resources and approach to remain elite? There are no rules, salary caps or contracts with the players. Can you maintain a culture of team when the entire sport is shifting to mercenary and you need to re-recruit your entire roster every year?
I'm not suggesting going full OSU, Texas A&M shopping for players, but we at least need to be in the ballpark with compensation - then sell everything else the program has to offer. If we can bring in top 5-10 talent going forward, Moore should be just fine.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:26 AM ^
I think the "even lose a little" in your quote is really important. The 2023 National Championship was the culmination of a 4-5 year build. It's not realistic to think UM, or anyone, can win every year. This coming year has a tough schedule and a major roster reset, especially on offense. 10-2 where Michigan wins 2/3 of USC, Oregon, and Texas and loses to OSU on the road would be a very very good outcome in my opinion. 7-5 or 6-6 or something would be a disappointment, but a 9-3 or 8-4 type season could happen and would not be a sign that the sky is falling.
February 15th, 2024 at 2:30 AM ^
“He really wasn’t one of those coaches who was always trying to climb the ladder as quick as he could,” Clark said. “That’s not Sherrone’s style. He’s not a ladder climber. He’s a ladder builder.”
That's a good quote (from the HC of his former HS in Derby, KS).
February 15th, 2024 at 4:40 AM ^
Hopefully that means he crushes it and stays for the long haul!
Can’t see him jumping to the pros anytime soon and only maybe Oklahoma can poach him in college, but he seems thoroughly entrenched in all things Michigan.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:11 PM ^
That may come down to the level of support he gets from the admin and boosters
February 15th, 2024 at 7:57 AM ^
A lot of climbers out in San Diego.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:02 AM ^
February 15th, 2024 at 5:40 AM ^
Without a clear starter at QB next season and difficult schedule, year one could be a rough one. Hopefully, people hang in there and give Moore a realistic chance to succeed.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:10 AM ^
As long as we keep our defense intact, we'll be a potentially great team again.
We have talent on offense we just need someone to take the bull by the horn at QB.
We have some interesting guys, let's see what happens.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:35 AM ^
I’m 100% supportive of coach Moore and the team. I share concerns about the upcoming season for several reasons.
A lot of the defense returns - but, with a lot of staff changes. On O - a new QB, change in personnel on the OL, etc.
I hope the culture can be sustained and grow even stronger - that’s on everyone - players, coaches, and staff.
The schedule is very tough.
I’ll cheer for for them - and support them - every play of every game. Go Blue!
February 15th, 2024 at 7:07 AM ^
The talent on defense is still elite - probably top 3 in the country alongside OSU and UGA. Given we probably have the best D-line in CFB again, would not be surprised to see us knock off Texas and/or Oregon.
The offense could be a struggle, but if the O-line develops and is a top 5 unit in the country, as has been Moore's track record the past 3 years - we should be able to lean heavy on the run game and grind out 10 wins and a playoff spot.
Edwards coming back is huge - especially if the home run version of The Don is what we get , but most overlooked is Mullings - who looks like Hassan Haskins 2.0.
I'm optimistic about next year, given the returning talent. I am concerned about a drop off in 2025, specifically if we aren't effectively using NIL for recruiting, retention and portal transfers to restock the cupboard.
February 15th, 2024 at 7:19 AM ^
I agree with the points you raised. There’s a lot to be optimistic about - and look forward to. The D was great last year and has the potential to continue to deliver again this season. The system that Macdonald / Minter installed is SO enjoyable to watch.
I’m interested in any evolution on the offense. It’s not that a philosophical change will take place - but, will the run / pass ratio move closer to 50/50 - and, if so - by how much.
I’ll enjoy this NC feeling throughout the ‘24 season and beyond…
February 15th, 2024 at 8:22 AM ^
SP+ has Michigan’s preseason defense ranked number two, just very slightly behind OSU at number one. The two biggest question marks on defense are at the LB position and depth of the DL (CB2 is kinda a question mark but there are enough intriguing possibilities that both it and the nickel position will become part of a top ranked secondary).
Offense is ranked in the 30s but the biggest question mark there is the QB position which depending on what happens there can take Michigan into the top ten or drop out of the top 50 (offensive SP+ ranking).
February 15th, 2024 at 8:43 AM ^
Thanks.. that’s a great reference.
February 15th, 2024 at 8:57 AM ^
I don’t know that I’d have linebacker as a bigger question mark than CB2. You mention “intriguing possibilities” at CB2, but we have Hausmann who started as a true freshman at Nebraska and was a key rotational piece last year. We have Barnham that has started the last two years at Maryland. And we have Rolder who redshirted last year but played over 300 snaps as a freshman in 2022. And that’s before considering guys like Hood possibly emerging, all at a position where only two guys play.
Seems like linebacker is in a better situation than hoping someone like McBurrows or Jyaire Hill prove to be good enough to be a compliment to Will Johnson.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:17 PM ^
"but if the O-line develops and is a top 5 unit in the country,"
Replacing the entire line almost never happens anywhere so top 5 in the country seems highly unlikely even for SM. But, maybe we'll have to settle for top 6 to 8 🙂
February 15th, 2024 at 7:42 AM ^
Not having a QB that can complete 3rd and long passes at 75% clip is going to be rude awaking for a lot of people. I still think we might get a spring transfer.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:32 AM ^
It's about culture, culture, culture! Questions on a new starting QB is legit. With Donovan and Mullings returning, we are set there. WR & TE positions are looking good. A new OL is a wild card and it will take until the latter half of the season to gel.
Yes, the defense will keep this team in the tougher games. This new defensive coaching staff will also need to gel.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:16 AM ^
Why does the name Austin Meek seem familiar?
February 15th, 2024 at 10:17 AM ^
he covers michigan for the athletic, his stuff has been posted here before.
February 15th, 2024 at 7:39 AM ^
I'll admit that I'm very skeptical of Moore's ability to run a program, but I guess we'll see.
February 15th, 2024 at 7:58 AM ^
This is, of course, always the question when elevating an assistant. The on-field manifestations will be less wins and losses next year (given schedule and turnover on the offense) and more do they still cover the little things at such a high level? The hustle and tackling on defense, the low number of penalties etc ... . The hope is that Harbaugh's effusive praise for Moore over the years was steeped in recognition of a kindred spirit for the details of the program.
February 15th, 2024 at 8:36 AM ^
My only worry about Sherrone is if we lose players on the defensive side of the ball. The D as it stands right now has a chance to keep us in every game, assuming the offense can score 20 points a game. You can’t argue with Harbaughs recruiting and development, that’s just fact, but I believe Sherrone will have our classes back around the top 5. Not that any of that really matters after this year. Let Ryan Day stock his cupboard with shiny 5 stars and we’ll keep playing money ball.
February 15th, 2024 at 8:55 AM ^
I think that any expectations that the Sherrone Moore era is going to just be a continuation of the Harbaugh era should be pretty well eliminated by now.
Sure, there will be plenty of carryover and not just in roster terms. But this is going to be Sherrone's program and he'll do things differently. I think - and hope, obviously - that he's going to be very successful, but it's going to be an adjustment.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:40 AM ^
Respectfully - what differences are you anticipating?
I have much respect for Sherrone. I think he’ll add his personality and “tweaks” to the program. But, honestly, I have no idea what those differences may be.
Your thoughts on the differences?
February 15th, 2024 at 12:36 PM ^
"Fellas, we’re going to run the ball right up their ass."
Different language, same program
February 15th, 2024 at 1:20 PM ^
There's definitely something to be said about a team that controls the ball on offense - plays clean - and puts points on the board. And, complement that with a quick - dynamic - creative defense.
It's a solid formula for success.
Of course - it's easier said than done. But, Michigan "did it" in '23 - with a solid foundation for the future.
February 15th, 2024 at 8:55 AM ^
I have these questions:
* Will Sherrone be lured away to another college in a year or two, say, his alma mater Oklahoma? We didn't have to worry about that with JH.
* Does he have NFL aspirations? With the shift to younger coaches in the NFL, we may be in that boat again in a year or two, if he's successful.
* If/when he does leave, what is the succession plan that is being built today?
* Does he support revenue sharing with the athletes?
February 15th, 2024 at 9:09 AM ^
User name checks out.
Honestly, those first three concerns, that's like saying, "I know she's hot and into me, but I don't want to date her because she might leave me for another guy." Like... ok, whatever makes you happy, I guess.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:10 AM ^
Will Sherrone be lured away to another college in a year or two, say, his alma mater Oklahoma
What? That is what you’re worried about—that Moore is going to leave for Oklahoma in a couple years? He busts his butt and becomes coach of the defending national champions, the winningest program in history, and Oklahoma currently has a top-notch coach with deep ties who they long coveted & is years away from retirement…how on earth would Moore to Oklahoma happen?
February 15th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
I think if he really wanted to go back to Oklahoma, he'd have done it already as an assistant.
The NFL could potentially be out there, but that's going to be true for just about any successful coach.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:22 PM ^
I cannot speak for Sherrone. He's young - and I don't know if he has aspirations at the NFL level.
If he maintains the program's culture and success on the field - which I would define as playing in the CFP - as well as the other key academic metric - APR. Then, he could be Michigan's coach for a VERY long time.
If the above happen - back up the Brink's truck - and make sure there's enough for all those involved - coaching staff - administration - and - media share for players (hoping that gets figured out).
February 15th, 2024 at 9:08 AM ^
the new era begins now
very excite
February 15th, 2024 at 9:10 AM ^
That was pretty big for Minter to say that, especially when passed up for it.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:12 AM ^
it certainly was big of him to say, but I don’t know if I would really consider him as being passed up for it. He seemed very much to be on the NFL path, and the best way to be an NFL head coach, is to star as a coordinator. Being the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers seem to be the position he was looking for, not being head coach of any college program.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:50 AM ^
Well figure he would make 6X the salary as college head coach vs NFL DC (I think). That would make me think he was passed up for it and wanted it.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:40 AM ^
I have seen no evidence Minter was looking for a college HC job. For example, it was clear once Harbaugh to the NFL rumors started this off-season that Moore was a leading candidate; I didn't see any rumblings from insiders or reporters that Minter was looking elsewhere in CFB for another gig -- and he certainly had the opportunity: think of all the top programs that needed coaches. Arizona, Washington, Duke, Miss State etc would have *loved* to hire someone like Minter. But you didn't hear a peep (which usually comes from agents putting their clients name out there, to get the fan base & rich alums fired up).
He clearly wants to compete in the NFL and test his wares there. If he succeeds in LA, in 2-4 years he'll be in line to be a HC in the NFL---the top of the heap (in prestige, and FWIW, money).
February 15th, 2024 at 10:44 AM ^
Not saying Minter wants to be an NFL head coach - but, if he did - what’s the more likely path?
From a college head coach to an NFL head coach - OR - an NFL Coordinator to an NFL head coach? I’d say the latter.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:07 AM ^
Every indication was that Minter was following the Mike Mac path, which was back to the NFL, even if Harbaugh had stayed. From what we can tell, there is no reason to think that Minter has anything but a ton of admiration for Sherrone both as a peer and a person.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:54 AM ^
^^^ Agreed. Minter was NFL bound after this season - just like Macdonald two years ago. IMO, the only question about Minter was - which NFL team he would wind up with.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:10 AM ^
A saying that Sherrone often makes is this: "I'm going to work you hard, but I'm going to love you harder." Only someone truly sincere about that can make that statement and not have it sound superficial and silly. By all accounts, he comes across as entirely sincere about that, and because of that his players and others buy into his passion and drive.
That's not a small thing. That's the source of a team culture, and that's the foundation upon which the rest is built. The cohesive team culture was probably worth a win or two last season, if not more.
The rest is planning and execution, and Sherrone has shown he's capable of that, if the Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State games are indicators.
I think expectations of the upcoming season should be tempered, but I think we will see good things, and Sherrone will show himself to be a fine HC for the program.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:58 AM ^
Great point. And, it makes me recall a story from Bo’s first year. He went up to Dierdorf - and told him. “Dan, you’re one of the best players on the team. We need the team to be successful. I’m going to be very tough on you - and want you to know it. This will be an example to the team - which will help set expectations. If I’m this tough on you - one of the best on the squad - it will set an expectation of the effort other players need to put in.”
February 15th, 2024 at 9:47 AM ^
I want to be excited about WINK but after Brians take I am somewhat skeptical and moderately concerned. WINK makes rational sense however allows for rational concern.
As for Sherron's other hires they read like I should be excited, and I am excited. I want Sherron to succeed in the worst way and the youth on the coaching staff feel right.
Basking in this Championship Afterglow does not grow old and makes this early in the offseason time so much easier to just enjoy.
If WINK can take what McDonald and Minter were doing and not have the pride or hubris as the "teacher" and connects at his age to the youth they will be fun to watch again. I have more concern about QB then anything.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:51 AM ^
The hire could not have been better with Wink, maybe thats why Brian doesn't see it.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:47 AM ^
The staff seems to be shaping up well. A blend of youth (mostly) and experience at P5 / NFL.
Wink is the outlier - just hoping he brings that Amoeba vision with him.
Looking forward to seeing them play.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:36 AM ^
On the one hand, this is a fluff piece.
On the other, this is the same rag that thought Signgate was a thing, so take the source for what it's worth.