Michigan Football: 3 possible replacements if Josh Gattis leaves

At one time, some Michigan football fans wanted Josh Gattis to leave. But now the Broyles Award winner might leave for a head coaching job. 

After being named the best coordinator in college football for the 2021 season, Michigan football‘s Josh Gattis might be not coaching in Ann Arbor much longer.

It’s being reported that Gattis has emerged as a candidate for two ACC openings. The job at Virginia is one possibility, as is Duke. Gattis played for Wake Forest.

Virginia Tech is also open. It remains to be seen if Gattis reciprocates any of the interest. But this shouldn’t come as a shock to Michigan football fans.

The Wolverines have grown by leaps and bounds on offense this season. Gattis was able to mold his offense with the style of football Jim Harbaugh likes to play and it was a thing of beauty.

Michigan football dominated teams with power football all season long, but is also first or tied for first in plays of over 50 yards, 60 yards, and 70 yards. So there is no offense more explosive than Michigan’s and we have Gattis to thank for that.

The players obviously help too. Not every coach has a Blake Corum who can turn a simple run into a 70-yard touchdown. But when you teach your players to execute, great things happen.

My biggest worry with Gattis is him being taken away for the College Football Playoff game against Georgia. Maybe he would stay on and coach. Bo Pelini did that at LSU before he left to take the head coaching job at Nebraska.

I’m sure Gattis would want to try and finish what he started, especially with a national championship just two wins away.

But looking ahead to next season, if Gattis does leave, who would be his replacement? Here’s a look at three good candidates.