Sherrone Moore has established himself as one of the young talents in Michigan after joining the school and accepting the head coaching position at one of the most successful college football programs in the country. Despite not having an official head coaching contract, Moore has been urged to continue in his role for several key reasons. He took the reins from Jim Harbaugh, who left the Wolverines for the NFL after ensuring a national championship and good momentum for the program. 

Now, Sherrone Moore finds himself not just filling big shoes. He is also the only African-American man coaching at the highest level of college football. It’s the rags-to-riches story of Moore and his hard-working spirits. He knows the responsibility of his position. Still, he’s not letting that weigh him down. “I don’t put myself in any of it,” he said. “It’s all about my players.”  

The young man was hired as tight ends coach only a mere six seasons ago. Afterwards, he saw a promotion to the position of offensive coordinator. And now he is a head coach. Last year, when Harbaugh was suspended for three important games, Moore took charge and led Michigan to important triumphs. This included the 1000th win for the school and a win over their biggest nemesis, Ohio State. 

He is ready for this position, and his leadership and ability to mobilize the team during difficult times, even though he has no officially signed contract, is truly terrific!

Facing challenges on and off the field

Moore understands there have been coaches from his community before him, such as John Thompkins and Mike Tomlin, but he wants to carve his own way. “Guys like John Thompson, guys like [Mike] Tomlin have really helped… They made it easier for us to just be a coach,” Moore said. These pioneers blazed the trail, but Moore’s goal is clear: to capture big games and regain championships for Michigan.

Consequently, the problems that Moore has to solve at Michigan are tremendous, even if he has immense experience. Starting quarterback is a walk-on, and the offense has been unsteady, especially in their match with Fresno State, where the Wolverines had problems sealing the match. Now, Michigan is ready for a tough match with Texas which recently defeated Colorado State 52-0.

Others, off the field, Moore is also feeling the effects of the aftermath of Harbaugh as well. The NCAA is probing the violations conducted in Michigan, and in this case, Moore has been mentioned in some of the allegations. His leadership shall be crucial in steering the team through this period of volatility, and there are fears that in case of sanctions being laid on the program, Moore will be a fall guy. 

Nevertheless, these barriers have drawn Moore’s focus towards his team and occupation at Michigan. His desire is not just to climb the ladder, but he wants to prove that men from his community can do it.  Coming from Trinidad and Tobago and having to struggle for the necessities of life, he has learnt the virtue of hard work and determination.