Michigan shouldn't wait for Kalen DeBoer and it doesn't need to

Ever since the search for the next Michigan football coach started, there has been a laser focus on two candidates: Kalen DeBoer and Kenny Dillingham.

That's not saying Michigan is laser-focused on those guys. Outside of what the insiders, we don't really know, but based on the fact that DeBoer and Dillingham have each been asked about the Michigan multiple times, it's safe to say they are among the top choices.

DeBoer has issued two denials. He put out a statement that he wasn't going anywhere. He also told reporters that on Monday, too.

Dillingham said on Tuesday that he absolutely loved Arizona State. He also said, "I think my job is to try and do whatever I can for the people that are with me."

It sounds like he would take the Michigan job if offered, which should be offered very soon. Don't wait for Kalen DeBoer to tell you no again.

Don't get it twisted, I would be pumped if DeBoer was the hire. It feels like that would keep Bryce Underwood in Ann Arbor, which is the key to keeping this roster together. Yet, Dillingham would have a good chance to keep Bryce with the Wolverines, too.

You can point to his success with Bo Nix, Sam Leavitt, Jordan Travis, or even quarterbacks at Memphis. Hell, Dillingham beat a pretty good Iowa State, which was ranked, on the road with Jeff Sims, who has the arm talent of Alex Orji. Sims ran for over 200 yards and the Sun Devils won on the road.

It's not just the way he coaches, it's what he says. Dillingham quote tweets and wishes players good luck when they enter the portal, even QB Sam Leavitt.

Talk about leadership. That's it. He also said if players want to transfer but play in the bowl game, they can. To paraphrase, Dillingham said they are part of the 2025 team, even if they won't be part in 2026.

That's a refreshing attitude, as opposed to deleting the kids page from the school website five minutes after he announces he will enter the portal.

Dillingham has had success whether he's gone. He has won a conference title, and has another 8-win season at Arizona State, while his best players are being raided off the roster.

If Michigan needs time to get its ducks in a row, to make sure nothing like what happened with Sherrone Moore doesn't happen again, that's fine.

But if this process is being delayed just to wait for DeBoer, that's a mistake in my eyes, because the next head coach of Michigan football should be Kenny Dillingham.