Michigan football to-do list after Jim Harbaugh's NFL departure
Assemble a coaching staff
Assuming that Moore is the next Michigan football head coach, the next big question is what will the staff look like? It's been reported that Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh are expected to leave with Harbaugh for the Chargers.
There has been some conflicting info on strength coach Ben Herbert. Herbert gets paid over $1 million dollars and is also the associate head coach. It sounded like Michigan football would be able to retain Herbert based on what John U. Bacon, a known insider, posted on X. But Bruce Feldman also reported that it was expected to Herbert goes to LA.
With Harbaugh going to the NFL:
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 25, 2024
-OC Sherrone Moore is a lock to become HC.
Both Harbaugh and Warde Manuel want that.
-DC Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh will likely join Harbaugh in LA.
-S&C coach Ben Herbert likely stays at UM, with most other assistants.
A new era has begun.
Another big thing to keep an eye on with Michigan is whether Jim Harbaugh brings Ben Herbert to the Chargers. The UM strength coach played a huge role in the Wolverines culture and ability to develop players. The expectation is Harbaugh will bring Herbert with him, I'm told. https://t.co/Jbnm3r5VbP
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 25, 2024
Keeping Herbert is essential. He's an elite strength coach and was a huge part of building the Wolverines' culture. He also was a huge part of the development of their football team. Kris Jenkins is a great example of that. He came to Michigan at around 240 pounds. Now, he's over 300 and probably going to be picked in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.
I feel like promoting Kirk Campbell to offensive coordinator makes a lot of sense. If Grant Newsome stays, he would be perfect as the offensive line coach. Mike Elston and Steve Clinkscale could each be candidates to take over as the defensive coordinator -- Clink has been Co-DC each of the past two seasons.
Promoting all of those guys from within is a little worrisome, but continuity is important. They have also earned an opportunity. But you could also see Michigan football grabbing another Ravens defensive assistant or maybe even Jim Leonhard, the former Wisconsin DC.
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Either way, time is of the essence. Michigan football needs to act quickly and retaining its top talent on the field is the No. 1 priority.