The NCAA is about to decide on the Michigan sign-stealing scandal on Friday, and since former head coach Jim Harbaugh is now in the NFL, his then-assistant and current head coach Sherrone Moore is set to be the one to reap the punishment. While the verdict is not out yet, Moore could be facing a multi-year suspension over Michigan allegedly spying on upcoming opponents in 2023.
All parties involved in the investigation, including the University of Michigan itself, as well as members of its football staff, have already been notified that they may be facing punishments. The alleged sign-stealing scheme was orchestrated by then-defensive analyst Connor Stallions, who has since left the team but was suspended by the school, which means Moore is likely getting the brunt of the punishments.
With Moore seemingly getting scapegoated in the scandal, the big question now is, who will be replacing him as the head coach at Michigan? Since the 2025 season is almost here, Michigan is likely looking to its current staff to fill the void. Here are three possible replacements:
Three Possible Head Coach Replacement Should Sherronne Moore Be Suspended for Several Years
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Kirk Campbell
Kirk Campbell is the current offensive coordinator for the Wolverines and is currently the most likely to fill Moore’s shoes at such short notice, as he is already familiar with the players and with the playstyle that Moore has planned for the team this season.
Before his time at Michigan, he served as both the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Old Dominion University, and before that, he was an offensive analyst at Penn State and Alderson Broaddus (West Virginia). He has been working as a coach since 2012.
However, there will be an asterisk in this, as he may get suspended too, given that he was part of the 2023 season coaching staff. Should he be found not at fault, however, he may likely be the one leading the Wolverines in 2025.
Don ‘Wink’ Martindale
Somebody not part of that 2023 staff, however, is Don ‘Wink’ Martindale, who came to Michigan in 2024. Should Moore and Campbell be suspended, he is the likeliest to be helming Michigan, as he is also very much familiar with the players and the plays. He also has NFL experience, previously working as DC for the New York Giants (2022-23), Baltimore Ravens (2012-21), Denver Broncos (2009-10) and Oakland Raiders (2004-09).
Tony Alford
Another safe pick for Michigan would be Tony Alford, who joined the school in 2024, meaning he was not part of that 2023 scandal. He is currently the offensive running game coordinator and the running backs coach after nine seasons with Ohio State, so he brings in some experience, too. This is without the added baggage from the scandal.
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