The biggest question for Michigan football if Jim Harbaugh is suspended

Right now, Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh is reportedly facing a four-game suspension to start the upcoming 2023 college football season — the NCAA is looking to suspend him over Level 1 violations, dubbed ‘Burgergate’ by Michigan fans. If this suspension indeed occurs, a burning question must be addressed by the program: who will take over as interim head coach during Week 1 of the season?

Michigan football will need an interim head coach with Jim Harbaugh gone Weeks 1-4

The answer here seems simple — make Sherrone Moore the interim head coach. That would be a great solution; however, Moore is also facing a one-game suspension from the NCAA and will likely not be available for the Wolverines’ home opener against ECU on September 2nd.

For Michigan football, this means that the program must consider a few other candidates. Right off the bat, three major targets come to mind to fill this void.

Jay Harbaugh

Jay Harbaugh, one of the best special teams coordinators and a long-time assistant to his father, Jim Harbaugh, could be a perfect fit to take over as interim head coach in Week 1. The Wolverines need someone with extensive experience in Michigan’s locker room, a great football mind, and a feel for the current roster — Jay Harbaugh checks all of these boxes and could be the ideal choice until Jim Harbaugh and/or Sherrone Moore return.

Mike Hart

Perhaps the top option among Michigan football fans is running backs coach Mike Hart, who is a fan favorite and one of the top names in the Wolverines’ locker room. Michigan’s running back room, the best RB room in the nation, is a testament to Hart’s impressive work as a coach in Ann Arbor. On top of having a great coaching mind, Hart is said to be a natural leader and knows the ins and outs of being a Michigan great as he holds all-time rushing records for the Wolverines.

Jesse Minter

Jesse Minter only has one year of coaching experience with Michigan football, yet has already proven to be a great asset to Jim Harbaugh’s staff. Last year, during his first season with Michigan football, he led the Maize and Blue to a top-6 finish in total defense and scoring defense — while Michigan fell short in the College Football Playoff, Minter was impressive throughout the year nonetheless. His initial season with Michigan was headlined by holding Michigan State to seven points, Penn State to 17 points, and Ohio State to 23 points.

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