Most years, this is the time of year when I get ready for the start of college football season. While I’m obviously still excited because football season is better than not, I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes the afterglow of a national championship season could last a little longer.
Michigan’s 2024 offseason is poised to be one of the most eventful in recent history. While some may ignore the drama and focus on the title, we’re here to evaluate every single element of the program. Today, we’re giving grades for Michigan’s offseason.
Head coaching position: A-
By all accounts, the hiring of Sherrone Moore was a no-brainer. How many other candidates have an undefeated career, including one of the biggest wins in program history? From the moment Jim Harbaugh joined the Los Angeles Chargers, it was basically a foregone conclusion that Moore would be his successor.
The only reason I gave the program an A- instead of an A+ is because the decision was so easy. A layup doesn’t get you an A+ in my opinion.
Fluctuation in the coaching staff: C+
Perhaps the most frustrating part of the offseason came in the days following Harbaugh’s departure. While Michigan’s chances of keeping Jesse Minter were always zero, there was reasonable hope that Moore could keep Ben Herbert, Steve Clinkscale and Mike Elston. Michigan had no chance with those guys.
One of the many reasons Moore was the ideal candidate for the head coaching job was that he had the best chance of keeping the team together. While the offensive line remained unchanged without Mike Hart, the defense was completely rebuilt.
While I’m generally positive about the defensive coaching changes, it’s still frustrating that Michigan hasn’t been able to retain more of its championship-winning coaches.
Retention of recruitment after a coaching change: A
Generally, recruiting classes fall apart quickly when a head coach leaves a program. Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, especially this late in the calendar year, could have been disastrous for Michigan’s recruiting efforts.
But the opposite was true. The recruiting class showed determination and largely stayed together. This was a huge achievement for the Michigan coaching staff.
Transfer Portal Management: B
When evaluating a team’s portal yield, it’s impossible to give a grade until you see how a player’s playstyle translates to the new program. My grade is more about how well the program has retained its own players and what positions it has and hasn’t picked up.
There were a handful of transfers that would have been useful this year, particularly at wide receiver and safety. As for the new class, early reports have been overwhelmingly positive.
However, you have to address the obvious. When JJ McCarthy announced his departure, there were virtually no quarterbacks left on the roster. In my opinion, Michigan should have been better prepared. I hope this year’s starting quarterback makes me revise my words, but it could be frustrating to combine a generational defense with a subpar offensive passing attack.
General mood of the program: A-
It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses this offseason, but it’s hard to get too upset when you’re the reigning national champion. Moore has the luxury of starting his program in the honeymoon phase, both as the new head coach and as the national champion. While I certainly would have liked to see more in the areas of coach retention and the transfer portal, I would still call it a successful offseason for Michigan football.
