Michigan Football: Grading Sherrone Moore's first year as head coach

One year ago Michigan football was on top of the world. Days later they had to replace Jim Harbaugh and everyone had their opinions, but eventually, we knew it was going to be one man. Sherrone Moore assumed the role to be Harbaugh's successor as he took over one of the most esteemed positions in all of football.

Expectations were not necessarily to repeat, but to make the playoffs and compete for nine attainable wins or so. Well, it turns out that he didn't reach that barrier, but with all the headaches caused in the opening part of the season for Michigan football, the latter moments of the schedule were utterly euphoric.

Let's start with his coaches. Kirk Campbell was a disaster. Tony Alford made the loss of Mike Hart, a little less problematic. Wink Martindale had people calling for his job until November 30th rolled around. And LaMar Morgan helped coach Jyaire Hill, Aamir Hall and Zeke Berry into guys who could be counted on to shut down Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams. Moore got every hire right except Campbell. That alone deserves a high grade.

In the transfer portal he nabbed the country's top kicker. On the offensive line, Josh Priebe became an instant starter and found his groove by the end of the season. With the loss of Keon Saab, Wesley Walker filled in admirably and was rewarded with an interception in the bowl win. Jaishawn Barham may have been the most impactful transfer though. By midseason the light came on for him and entering 2025 he'll be a mainstay as a leader on a strong returning defense.

Recruiting blew up for Moore when he flipped Bryce Underwood. Depending upon which service you follow, he'll hope to sign multiple five stars to join the franchise quarterback. This aspect of Moore's job is probably regarded as his most prudent effort as coach, because it encompasses the whole staff who is eager to continue their meteoric rise to stardom.

The season developed and it was clear that Moore made his biggest blunder by not searching for a better quarterback with J.J. McCarthy gone. He tried all three options and got distressing results. So he went back to who he thought was the correct choice during camp and return to Davis Warren. Warren didn't ignite the offense, but he will go down as a trivia question as to who was the gunslinger who slayed Ohio State and Alabama to cap the season.

With all that being said Moore earned a firm B grade for his first major coaching gig. It could have been a lot worse, but team 145 embraced the adversity and made something spectacular out of 2024 that warrants a radiant future with Moore at the forefront.