Jason Candle
I've listed Jason Candle as a Michigan football head-coaching candidate before so the fact that he's getting tossed around by insiders as a possible candidate has me excited.
Candle has done a stellar job at Toledo. It's surprising to me that he hasn't been swallowed up by a Power-4 program at this point. In 2023, Candle was named the MAC Coach of the Year for the second time.
Quarterback Dequan Finn won the MAC MVP award, and running back Peny Boone was named the MAC’s Offensive Player of the Year that same year.
Need I say more?
Candle has always been viewed as one of the best offensive minds in college football. Hiring him won't be easy and it won't be cheap. He's been mentioned as a candidate for the Purdue job. He's also had success recruiting in the Detroit area, as well as the state of Ohio.
For Candle, the sell would have to be a big bump in pay, which Michigan football could easily accomplish. Then, if Candle hitches his Wagon to Underwood and the duo has a ton of success, it would only be a matter of time before he got a head coaching opportunity he wants.
This one feels like a longshot. I just don't know how receptive he would be. Chip Kelly left UCLA to be Ryan Day's offensive coordinator but I don't know if Candle would do it, unless he truly believed it was the best way to get a head coaching job he coveted.
Yet, if Michigan football hires anyone on this list, it should be considered an upgrade.