The end of Michigan football’s 2024 regular season marks the beginning of a critical offseason filled with decisions that could shape the program’s future. Between the Transfer Portal, NFL Draft declarations, and potential coaching staff changes, the Wolverines face an array of transitions following their 8-5 campaign.
Head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of striking a balance between high school recruiting and utilizing the Transfer Portal to build a competitive roster. “You want to cut your teeth on the high school players and grooming those, but you’ve got to supplement and do the things you need to in the Portal,” Moore stated in late November. “We’re going to focus on both. We have plans for both and we’ll continue to do that.”
This page will serve as an ongoing tracker for all developments regarding Michigan football over the next several weeks. It will include updates on:
- Transfer Portal activity: Incoming commitments and outgoing departures.
- NFL Draft decisions: Players opting to forgo their remaining eligibility or choosing to return for another season.
- Coaching staff changes: Any shifts in the Wolverines’ coaching ranks as the program evaluates its future direction.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as Michigan navigates this pivotal offseason.
Michigan football is poised to be active in the Transfer Portal this winter, particularly in light of expected NFL Draft departures and an enhanced focus on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities under head coach Sherrone Moore. The program will look to fill key roster gaps while continuing to prioritize a blend of high school recruiting and transfer additions.
Key Dates and Details:
National Signing Day:
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- Scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, National Signing Day comes earlier than ever due to changes in the NCAA’s Division I recruiting calendar, providing less time for programs to finalize high school commitments.
- Transfer Portal Window:
- The Transfer Portal officially opens on Dec. 9, launching a flurry of activity as players across the nation explore new opportunities.
- The portal remains open until Dec. 28, giving teams a limited window to assess and pursue potential additions.
- Special rules apply to players whose teams are involved in bowl games (after Dec. 23) or the College Football Playoff, granting them five days after their final game to enter the portal.
- Players from teams undergoing head coaching changes are permitted to enter the portal immediately during a 30-day window, regardless of the official dates.
Michigan’s Strategy:
- The Wolverines are expected to leverage their competitive NIL opportunities to attract top talent in the portal.
- With several NFL-bound players likely departing, Michigan will aim to reload with experienced transfers to complement its returning core and incoming high school recruits.
This offseason promises to be a pivotal one for Michigan football, as it seeks to strengthen its roster and rebound from an 8-5 season while preparing for the rapidly evolving college football landscape. Stay tuned for updates as the Wolverines navigate this dynamic period.
This winter brings a new wrinkle to the transfer portal process: prospects can now sign a binding agreement with schools immediately upon entering the portal. Previously, schools had to wait until the prospect attended a class in January to solidify their commitment. This change streamlines the process and provides clarity to both players and programs earlier in the offseason.
Michigan Football Transfer Portal, NFL Draft Decisions, and Coaching Changes
Below is the latest on the Wolverines’ offseason moves, featuring commentary from Alejandro Zúñiga (AZ) and Zach Shaw (ZS):
Transfer Portal Activity:
Michigan is expected to be aggressive in addressing roster needs through the portal. With key departures anticipated, the Wolverines aim to fill critical gaps with experienced talent while maintaining their emphasis on cultural fit.
- Commentary (AZ): “The ability for prospects to sign binding agreements right away will shift the dynamics of recruiting in the portal. Michigan’s NIL strategy could play a decisive role in landing top-tier talent quickly.”
NFL Draft Decisions:
Several key players are expected to forgo their remaining eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft, leaving Michigan with some notable holes to fill.
- Commentary (ZS): “Michigan has done an excellent job developing NFL-ready talent, but that success creates challenges in reloading the roster each year. Sherrone Moore’s ability to identify immediate-impact transfers will be critical in 2024.”
Coaching Changes:
After an 8-5 campaign, Michigan may see shifts within the coaching staff, whether due to performance evaluations or external opportunities.
- Commentary (AZ): “While the Transfer Portal and NFL Draft dominate headlines, don’t overlook the importance of coaching stability and strategic additions to the staff. Moore’s leadership will be tested in navigating potential changes.”
This offseason promises to be one of Michigan’s most pivotal in recent years, with the revamped transfer process, NIL opportunities, and roster turnover all playing significant roles. Stay tuned for further updates and insights from Zúñiga and Shaw as developments unfold.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore made a decisive move following an underwhelming offensive performance in the 2024 season, parting ways with offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell.
In a statement, Moore emphasized the program’s need for change:
“After a thorough assessment of our offense, I made the decision to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and move in a different direction. This was a decision that I felt was in the best interest of our football program. I want to thank Kirk for his hard work and dedication to the university, Michigan Football, and our student-athletes. I wish him well in his future coaching endeavors.”
Michigan’s Offensive Struggles in 2024
The Wolverines’ offensive struggles were stark, as reflected in their national rankings:
- 128th in yards per game (out of 134 FBS teams).
- 122nd in yards per play.
- 125th in first downs per game.
- 111th in points per game.
Despite flashes of promise, Michigan only surpassed 30 points once during the season (against Northwestern). They were held below 20 points six times, including in all five of their losses.
Looking Ahead
This move signals Moore’s intent to revamp the offensive approach heading into 2025. With Transfer Portal opportunities and the growing influence of NIL, the Wolverines are poised to rebuild their offensive identity. The next hire at offensive coordinator will be critical to achieving that goal and returning Michigan to national prominence.
Who do you think Michigan should target as their next OC? Should they prioritize someone with a high-powered, modern offensive scheme, or look for a more balanced approach?
Great points. While Kirk Campbell clearly had a positive impact on players like J.J. McCarthy, who enjoyed a standout season in 2023, the lack of offensive explosiveness in 2024 made this move almost inevitable. Finishing as the only FBS team without a 40-plus-yard pass play highlights a glaring issue, particularly in an era when big-play offenses are key to competing at the highest level.
The timing is critical. By acting now, Michigan has a chance to secure a strong hire ahead of the Dec. 9 Transfer Portal window, where offensive strategy and system clarity will play a significant role in attracting top talent. Last year’s coaching overhaul during a CFP run was chaotic, and Moore seems intent on avoiding that level of disruption this time around.
With the Portal expected to be a major focus, getting the right offensive coordinator in place is crucial not just for 2025, but for maintaining momentum in NIL-driven recruiting battles. It’ll be interesting to see if Michigan prioritizes a high-octane, big-play system to shake up its offense or a methodical, balanced approach to reinforce Moore’s vision for the program.
Do you think the focus should be on a coach with a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, or someone who can implement a dynamic, explosive offensive scheme right away?
Chip Lindsey’s hire as Michigan’s offensive coordinator feels like a strong statement of intent. His track record of working with elite quarterbacks like Drake Maye and recruiting talents like Bo Nix suggests he’s well-equipped to develop Bryce Underwood, the top prospect who could redefine Michigan’s offense for years to come. Lindsey’s offensive philosophy—highlighted by UNC’s top-10 offense in 2023—should provide the explosive, vertical passing game that Michigan sorely lacked in 2024.
Quick thoughts:
- Lindsey’s success with Maye is particularly exciting, considering Michigan’s offensive struggles last season. A system that leverages Underwood’s skill set, combined with Lindsey’s proven ability to develop QBs, could transform Michigan into a dynamic offensive powerhouse.
- His experience at Auburn and Troy also brings a versatile play-calling background that could help balance the Wolverines’ ground-and-pound identity with more modern concepts.
- Having Steve Casula call plays in the bowl game means the offense will likely retain some continuity until Lindsey implements his full scheme in spring camp.
The key question is how quickly Lindsey can install his system and whether Michigan can attract top-tier talent from the Transfer Portal to surround Underwood. Do you think this move positions Michigan to make a leap offensively, or will it take time to integrate Lindsey’s approach fully?