“They have touted themselves as the holy program that operates by a different code of conduct and standard in the rest of the country. They’re so damn arrogant about their cheating.” Often, the ghost of your past comes back to haunt you. Now, you can either fight or just accept your fate… When Michigan’s cheating saga exploded, it left behind a ripple effect that won’t wash away anytime soon. Harbaugh? He dipped with a natty ring, a 3-game slap on the wrist, and an NFL ticket. But what about the poor soul who inherits the mess he left behind? What happens to Sherrone Moore?

See, when the Bluebloods first started b-lling out, something felt off. This wasn’t the same team that mopped the floor with the Huskies and claimed the national championship title. This was a ghost of its former self. A loss to Texas, a loss to Washington, a loss to Illinois… UM was limping on a crutch with a dysfunctional receiver room and a walk-on QB. Still, there was hope. If, somehow, Sherrone Moore and Co. clenched that Ohio State bout, then it’s all happy days in Ann Arbor. So, fans waited, and surprisingly, the dreadful OSU game turned into a redemption arc for Moore and UM. But then again, fate’s always had a cruel sense of timing when it comes to Sherrone Moore. Just when Michigan plants its feet—boom—friendly fire in the trenches.

“Michigan Wolverines football head coach Sherrone Moore is expected to be suspended for two games in the middle of the 2025 season.” When On3 dropped the bomb, we were stunned. Sure, we always knew that wiping the text thread between Moore and Connor Stalions wouldn’t go unnoticed—but we didn’t expect the NCAA to actually grow a spine and act on it. And well, we were right. This ban stands as “self-imposed” by the University of Michigan in regard to the advanced scouting drama. Talk about a freaking table flip. What’s more surprising about this entire scene is that UM is already looking for an interim HC, and they might’ve just found their 4.5 million dollar savior, Chip Lindsey.

Now, why a new HC? Well, you see, the bans stop Moore from being in the Week 3 and Week 4 games against Central Michigan and Nebraska—2 games that UM cannot afford to lose. And while Michigan has more than enough cash to grab anyone from outside, wouldn’t the best option be to rely on the insider for this job?

Lindsey makes a lot of sense when you break it down—he’s the new offensive coordinator for the Bluebloods, and his FBS resume holds weight, especially after leading Troy from 2019 to 2021, and he worked as the Tar Heels OC. Solid, proven, and quietly effective. Yet, many fans could end up thinking otherwise—and well, we know why.

At the core of it, Lindsey is still new to the program. It hasn’t even been 5-6 months since he joined the program. Right now, the coach is probably still building relationships with the players on the roster. This alone could change UM’s decision, and they might move on with someone else.

But who could this “someone else” even be?

The man who created the perfect Wolverines defense

If there’s anything that jumps out from Michigan’s gritty 8-5 run, it’s the dominance of their defensive line. Go ahead—scroll through the numbers. You’ll see that barely any team cracked the 30-point mark against them. Even when the Wolverines couldn’t snag the win, they sure made sure no one was out there stat-padding.

Alabama: Couldn’t go past 13.

Ohio State: Couldn’t go past freaking 10 points.

All thanks to Don “Wink” Martindale. The man who created the perfect Michigan defense. Bouts with the Broncos, Ravens, Giants, Raiders, Wink is everything you’d desire in an interim coach. This man has the experience and the talent to carry the Wolverines through 2 games.

While there’s still no official word from Michigan, Wink remains one of the most qualified names to steer the ship during Moore’s absence. Sure, having him juggle HC duties and defensive play-calling might shake up the D-line’s rhythm between possessions—but if the rest of UM’s defensive staff holds firm, it should still be smooth sailing.