Coaching at the collegiate level often resembles a close-knit fraternity, where relationships and networks are crucial. Sherrone Moore, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, exemplifies this as he regularly engages with prominent figures in the football community, including the legendary Nick Saban.
Moore, who played at Oklahoma and has held coaching positions at Louisville and Central Michigan, acknowledges the significance of these connections in his career. He has developed relationships with notable coaches such as Bob Stoops and Charlie Strong. Recently, he spoke with Jim Harbaugh, his predecessor at Michigan, during the team’s bye week. Harbaugh played a pivotal role in Moore’s coaching trajectory, having initially hired him as a tight ends coach and later promoting him to offensive line coach and offensive coordinator.
Despite these established connections, Moore has formed a unique rapport with Saban, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. “I try to call him probably every two months or month,” Moore shared at a press conference on November 10, 2023, in Ann Arbor. “When you call Coach Saban, sometimes it’s like, you don’t know if he really wants to talk to you, but he does. Once he starts talking, it’s outstanding.”
Moore’s relationship with Saban has become increasingly meaningful, particularly after the Wolverines handed Saban a loss in his final game as coach. On January 1, 2024, Michigan defeated Alabama 27-20 in overtime during the Rose Bowl, a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. This victory capped off Saban’s illustrious career, which includes seven national titles—one with LSU in 2003 and six with Alabama in the years 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020.
The connection between Moore and Saban was facilitated by Biff Poggi, Michigan’s associate head coach, who has been friends with Saban for many years. In February 2024, after Moore was named the full-time head coach following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, he sought a way to reach out to Saban.
During their conversations, Saban has provided valuable insights. “I remember him talking about, you know, ‘I really didn’t like you guys, the game plan against us, you guys shifted, motion to every play was annoying,'” Moore recounted. “And I was like, ‘thanks, coach.’”
As the press conference concluded, a reporter lightheartedly inquired whether Moore believed Saban might be attempting to sabotage him as payback for the Rose Bowl loss. With a smile, Moore dismissed the notion, saying, “No, I don’t think so. Unless we’re playing Alabama.”
Moore’s willingness to seek out guidance from seasoned coaches highlights the collaborative nature of college football. As he leads the Wolverines into future seasons, the wisdom shared by Saban and others will likely play a crucial role in Moore’s development as a head coach.
