This is one of those situations where we know you guys want info, but we don't want just to post every rumor we hear to be click-baiting and feed the urge if you will. Similar to the Bryce situation, there aren't going to be hourly updates with this one. Also, if I'm being honest, given the last few weeks, some people are being more tight-lipped than usual. I also know from past coaching searches, sometimes the name comes out of nowhere.
Generally speak a lot of the names that get out there are because Moore is doing the leg work of calling around, asking for suggestions, getting references, etc. Someone says "hey Moore is asking about blah blah" and there you go. A name might get mentioned that never even talks to Michigan or Moore, but maybe was involved in one of those exploratory calls.
Anyway, the OC talk has obviously been going on since before Kirk was officially let go. You guys have seen some of the rumors, and we've commented on some as well. That said, I did want to give you a little update on just where things stand.
Again, this is more like a pulse check on rumors than it is me telling you Moore is looking to hire BLANK.
Some key quotes from Moore on Wednesday;
"Offensively, I want to be explosive in the run in the pass and balance. " Moore has been talking about being explosive since he took over as OC in 2023.
"We want to be a balanced team. You've still got to be able to run the football. That's got to be a thing you do. But someone that's going to develop a quarterback at a high rate and put them in a great position. Sometimes we run it, sometimes we throw it. And the goal is to win, so we're doing everything we can to win, and try to put more trophies in the trophy case. So that's what we're going to do." Anyone who thinks SMASH is going away, it's not. Moore will continue to have an impact on the gameplan, and Michigan will still believe in dominate OL and running the ball. But they have to be a threat downfield. That makes things easier on the run game, and explosive plays makes winning easier.
So all that said, where are we with the candidates.
Dan Mullen: First name we heard, heard it often, have not heard it as much. Does that mean anything? Not really. He was a rumored candidate for the Oklahoma OC position, and his name has been floated for some HC gigs as well. He checks a lot of boxes in terms of a play caller and offensive scheme, and also brings some HC experience.
Jason Candle: Another name we heard early, and I continue to hear more than Mullen. Again, that's a statement about his presence in rumors, not a statement in likelihood of being hired. Similar to Mullen, checks a lot of OC boxes, great experience as HC, very well liked in recruiting and HS circles in Michigan and Ohio. Really a home run hire as a person.
Joe Craddock: Got name dropped before the game on TV Saturday so his name coming a ton is not a surprise. Explosive offense at Tulane, some good and tough times following Chad Morris around at SMU and Arkansas. Thought of highly in coaching circles helps in recruiting areas. Moore is targeting Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. His current HC may looking at another promotion already, and he may follow him there. That said, if Michigan offered, tough to see him say no.
Adam Stenavich: I've seen his name around, former Michigan player and coaching intern. Packers OC currently, career is in coaching offensive line. With Moore's focus on QB development, just doesn't add up to me.
There are other names like Brennan Marion that I have heard as well. Thought he might not have a chance early on, was also a rumored Oklahoma and Florida State candidate, but I've heard in recent days not to count him out. Trying to get more on that.
As always, anything more solid that I can report I will always bring, but wanted to drop where the smoke has been sitting in my ears as of late.
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