Sherrone Moore’s tenure as Michigan Football’s head coach has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. After stepping into the role following Jim Harbaugh’s departure, Moore faced immense pressure to maintain the Wolverines’ dominance. His first full season in 2024 was a mixed bag—Michigan started **5-5**, raising concerns about his ability to lead a powerhouse program. However, Moore silenced critics with a strong finish, securing wins against **Ohio State and Alabama**, ending the season **8-5** [A](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/michigan_football_sherrone_moore_gains_traction_in_latest_head_coach_power_rankings/s1_16580_42262857?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlX2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvbWljaGlnYW5fZm9vdGJhbGxfc2hlcnJvbmVfbW9vcmVfZ2FpbnNfdHJhY3Rpb25faW5fbGF0ZXN0X2hlYWRfY29hY2hfcG93ZXJfcmFua2luZ3NcL3MxXzE2NTgwXzQyMjYyODU3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiYTJhVG9qcXFjVVZwVTVSYmdzR2ptIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/sherrone-moores-2024-michigan-big-wins-vs-ohio-state-alabama-but-losses-fuel-debate/ar-AA1FNbV8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cubXNuLmNvbVwvZW4tdXNcL3Nwb3J0c1wvb3RoZXJcL3NoZXJyb25lLW1vb3Jlcy0yMDI0LW1pY2hpZ2FuLWJpZy13aW5zLXZzLW9oaW8tc3RhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS1idXQtbG9zc2VzLWZ1ZWwtZGViYXRlXC9hci1BQTFGTmJWOCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJtMW04ZUF5M1hSdk1tYnR1ZDVFaU4ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite these victories, skepticism remains. Some analysts have questioned his ability to sustain success, with **CBS Sports ranking him lower** in their head coach standings [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/sherrone-moores-2024-michigan-big-wins-vs-ohio-state-alabama-but-losses-fuel-debate/ar-AA1FNbV8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9zaGVycm9uZS1tb29yZXMtMjAyNC1taWNoaWdhbi1iaWctd2lucy12cy1vaGlvLXN0YXRlLWFsYWJhbWEtYnV0LWxvc3Nlcy1mdWVsLWRlYmF0ZVwvYXItQUExRk5iVjgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Others, like **Sporting News**, have shown optimism, slightly improving his ranking heading into 2025 [A](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/michigan_football_sherrone_moore_gains_traction_in_latest_head_coach_power_rankings/s1_16580_42262857?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlX2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvbWljaGlnYW5fZm9vdGJhbGxfc2hlcnJvbmVfbW9vcmVfZ2FpbnNfdHJhY3Rpb25faW5fbGF0ZXN0X2hlYWRfY29hY2hfcG93ZXJfcmFua2luZ3NcL3MxXzE2NTgwXzQyMjYyODU3In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The inconsistency in evaluations reflects the uncertainty surrounding Moore’s future—will he prove to be a long-term asset, or is Michigan taking a gamble on his leadership?
One of Moore’s biggest challenges has been roster turnover. Michigan lost **13 NFL draft picks** after the 2023 championship season, leaving Moore with a depleted squad [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/sherrone-moores-2024-michigan-big-wins-vs-ohio-state-alabama-but-losses-fuel-debate/ar-AA1FNbV8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cubXNuLmNvbVwvZW4tdXNcL3Nwb3J0c1wvb3RoZXJcL3NoZXJyb25lLW1vb3Jlcy0yMDI0LW1pY2hpZ2FuLWJpZy13aW5zLXZzLW9oaW8tc3RhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS1idXQtbG9zc2VzLWZ1ZWwtZGViYXRlXC9hci1BQTFGTmJWOCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJtMW04ZUF5M1hSdk1tYnR1ZDVFaU4ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, he inherited a program in transition, with Harbaugh’s departure creating instability. Despite these hurdles, Moore managed to recruit top talent, including flipping **five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood** from LSU to Michigan [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/sherrone-moores-2024-michigan-big-wins-vs-ohio-state-alabama-but-losses-fuel-debate/ar-AA1FNbV8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9zaGVycm9uZS1tb29yZXMtMjAyNC1taWNoaWdhbi1iaWctd2lucy12cy1vaGlvLXN0YXRlLWFsYWJhbWEtYnV0LWxvc3Nlcy1mdWVsLWRlYmF0ZVwvYXItQUExRk5iVjgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This move signals his ability to attract elite players, a crucial factor in determining his long-term success.
Looking ahead, Moore’s second season will be pivotal. Michigan’s **2025 schedule appears more favorable**, giving him an opportunity to prove his coaching prowess [A](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/michigan_football_sherrone_moore_gains_traction_in_latest_head_coach_power_rankings/s1_16580_42262857?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlX2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvbWljaGlnYW5fZm9vdGJhbGxfc2hlcnJvbmVfbW9vcmVfZ2FpbnNfdHJhY3Rpb25faW5fbGF0ZXN0X2hlYWRfY29hY2hfcG93ZXJfcmFua2luZ3NcL3MxXzE2NTgwXzQyMjYyODU3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiYTJhVG9qcXFjVVZwVTVSYmdzR2ptIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). If he can capitalize on improved quarterback play and maintain a **top-10 defense**, the Wolverines could re-enter the College Football Playoff conversation [A](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/michigan_football_sherrone_moore_gains_traction_in_latest_head_coach_power_rankings/s1_16580_42262857?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiYTJhVG9qcXFjVVZwVTVSYmdzR2ptIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlX2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvbWljaGlnYW5fZm9vdGJhbGxfc2hlcnJvbmVfbW9vcmVfZ2FpbnNfdHJhY3Rpb25faW5fbGF0ZXN0X2hlYWRfY29hY2hfcG93ZXJfcmFua2luZ3NcL3MxXzE2NTgwXzQyMjYyODU3In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, Moore’s **two-game suspension** in 2025 adds another layer of uncertainty [A](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/michigan_football_sherrone_moore_gains_traction_in_latest_head_coach_power_rankings/s1_16580_42262857?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlX2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvbWljaGlnYW5fZm9vdGJhbGxfc2hlcnJvbmVfbW9vcmVfZ2FpbnNfdHJhY3Rpb25faW5fbGF0ZXN0X2hlYWRfY29hY2hfcG93ZXJfcmFua2luZ3NcL3MxXzE2NTgwXzQyMjYyODU3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiYTJhVG9qcXFjVVZwVTVSYmdzR2ptIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). How Michigan performs in his absence could shape perceptions of his leadership.
Ultimately, Moore’s tenure is at a crossroads. His ability to **win big games** suggests he has the potential to be a great coach, but his **early struggles** raise concerns about consistency [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/sherrone-moores-2024-michigan-big-wins-vs-ohio-state-alabama-but-losses-fuel-debate/ar-AA1FNbV8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJhMmFUb2pxcWNVVnBVNVJiZ3NHam0iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFtOGVBeTNYUnZNbWJ0dWQ1RWlOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9zaGVycm9uZS1tb29yZXMtMjAyNC1taWNoaWdhbi1iaWctd2lucy12cy1vaGlvLXN0YXRlLWFsYWJhbWEtYnV0LWxvc3Nlcy1mdWVsLWRlYmF0ZVwvYXItQUExRk5iVjgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) build on his late. Michigan fans are eager for sustained dominance, and Moore must prove he can deliver. If he can-season success and establish Michigan as a perennial contender, he may shed the “gamble” label and cement himself as a future great. However, if inconsistency persists, Michigan may find itself searching for another leader sooner rather than later.
