Following a National Championship victory, Michigan football is heading into the new season with significant changes, most notably in the head coaching position. Jim Harbaugh has left for the Los Angeles Chargers, and Sherrone Moore, the 2023 offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and interim head coach, has been hired in his place. Despite Moore’s familiarity with Michigan’s system and playbook, an unnamed Big Ten coach believes the team won’t perform as well as they did last season.
The transition, despite retaining Moore as interim coach from last year, is expected to be significant. “They’ll take a step back,” said an anonymous coach, as reported by Daniel Bates of the Spun. “But maybe not as far as you think.” Bates’ article reveals insights from three unnamed Big Ten coaches regarding Michigan’s prospects for 2024. While initially seeming like criticism towards Moore, it could also reference roster changes in Ann Arbor, as highlighted by the other two anonymous coaches.
After all, looking at the amount of player turnover happening within the team, it’s hard to blame that certain coach for having such a forecast. Just look at the totals. 18 players from the 2023 championship roster were invited to the NFL combine, and by the conclusion of the draft, a total of 13 were selected.
Michigan football’s 2023 stars turn pro
From the offense, JJ McCarthy headlined Michigan’s draft picks, going 10th overall to the Minnesota Vikings. In the third round, Blake Corum — who was named offensive MVP in the National Championship — was taken by the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, wideout Roman Wilson and interior offensive lineman Zack Zinter were also third rounders. The others who got selected were AJ Barner (TE), Trevor Keegan (OL) LaDarius Henderson (OL) and Cornelius Johnson (WR).
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and cornerback Mike Sainristil — the team’s top defensive back — were picked in the second round. Junior Colson, who led the Wolverines in tackles, followed in the third. Michael Barrett (LB) and Jaylen Harrell (EDGE) were also called up to the pros.
