Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore has quietly sought guidance this season from one of college football’s most legendary figures: retired Alabama coach Nick Saban. This mentorship has become a vital resource for Moore as he steers Michigan through a critical three-game stretch that could determine the team’s fate in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race.
Moore, now in his second year in his role, revealed that he tries to reach out to Saban every month or two for advice. “Why not take advice from somebody you consider the G.O.A.T. of college football?” Moore said in a recent interview. The connection between the two coaches dates back to Michigan’s 2023 national championship run, which culminated with a CFP semifinal victory over Alabama at the Rose Bowl — notably, the final game of Saban’s storied coaching career, which included seven national titles.
Their relationship was further cemented through a mutual acquaintance, Michigan associate coach Biff Poggi. After Moore was hired in February 2024, he reached out to Saban and established a routine of regular communication. Moore recounted how Saban candidly critiqued Michigan’s game plan from their last matchup, noting his irritation with the Wolverines’ frequent shifting and motion. Rather than take offense, Moore embraced the feedback and sought to absorb as much insight as possible from the coaching legend. “That’s really where the connection’s grown,” Moore said.
This mentorship comes at a pivotal moment for Michigan. The Wolverines currently hold an 8-2 record and face a defining slate of games: a neutral-site matchup against Northwestern at Chicago’s Wrigley Field this Saturday, a trip to Maryland, and a season finale against their archrival Ohio State. Winning all three would almost certainly secure a spot in the CFP and could position Michigan for a Big Ten Championship Game appearance, depending on tiebreakers involving Pac-12 contenders Oregon and USC, who also sit with one conference loss apiece.
Michigan’s recent dominance over Ohio State — having won four straight meetings in the historic rivalry — adds to the optimism surrounding the Wolverines’ postseason prospects. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists Michigan’s odds of making the playoff at +600, reflecting a realistic, if challenging, pathway.
Despite the opportunity, skepticism persists around Moore and Michigan’s offense. In Moore’s first year, Michigan finished with an 8-5 record after he took over from Jim Harbaugh. This season, the Wolverines are 0-2 against nationally ranked opponents, raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The offense, led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood — the No. 1 recruit in the country and rumored to have signed an NIL deal worth up to $10 million — has struggled with consistency. Michigan ranks in the bottom half of the Big Ten in scoring, averaging just 28.1 points per game.
Underwood’s statistics reflect both his potential and the challenges of being a freshman quarterback. He has thrown for 185.7 yards per game with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, Underwood’s development has been hampered by a lack of experienced receivers, limiting the offense’s explosiveness.
Adding to the offensive concerns is the injury status of star running back Justice Haynes. Haynes, who ranks second nationally with 122.4 rushing yards per game and boasts an impressive 7.1 yards per carry — the fourth-best average among running backs with at least 100 attempts this season — has been sidelined with a right foot injury since before Michigan’s bye week. His absence was felt in the close 21-16 win over Purdue.
These offensive struggles have intensified scrutiny on Moore’s leadership and ability to translate his experience — including lessons learned from Saban — into on-field results. The pressure mounts as the Wolverines’ postseason hopes hinge not only on winning games but also on demonstrating consistent offensive production and effective game management.
Michigan’s path to the College Football Playoff remains very much alive, but the next three games will be a crucial test. Moore must make critical adjustments and help his young roster perform under pressure to keep Michigan’s championship aspirations intact. How the Wolverines finish the season could shape perceptions of Moore’s tenure and the program’s trajectory in Ann Arbor for years to come.
In summary, Sherrone Moore’s quiet but meaningful mentorship with Nick Saban highlights a coaching journey filled with learning and adaptation