We took a deep dive into this topic a few weeks ago and I want to revisit it as some new names have appeared and old names faded away. Everyone seemed to love the article, except Tennessee fans. Reasonably so, I might add, as they were rightfully upset at the prospect of Heupel leaving. But they also might be reaching that spot in the back of their mind where doubt lives and the thought that maybe, just maybe, a better job than ours exists. Listen, I am not saying Heupel leaves for Ann Arbor but he certainly will pick up the phone if they call. Here are 5 guys who might also get calls from Warde Manuel if the Wolverines need a guy.
Kalen DeBoer
Head Coach, Washington
I initially said DeBoer would be one of my first calls and I stand by that statement. He did wonders at Fresno State and in his first year at Washington. Not to mention his domination at NAIA Sioux Falls including 3 national titles. His tutelage of Michael Penix and high powered offense and proven track record will put him on most lists of elite programs looking for a job.
Shane Beamer
Head Coach, South Carolina
A new name to this list. Beamer has done wonders in his first 2 years with the Gamecocks. The son of Virginia Tech legend Frank Beamer inherited a 2-win team and guided them to consecutive bowl appearances. He’s recruited well, assembled a top-notch staff, and done a good job in the transfer portal. His recent contract extension could impact this decision, but if Michigan wants a guy they won’t let that get in the way.
P.J. Fleck
Head Coach, Minnesota
Could we be rowing the boat in Michigan? I’d put PJ on the list, anyways. He led Western Michigan to a 13-1 season and a Cotton Bowl appearance in his final year there. Since coming to Minnesota he has brought stability, culture, and a consistent run game to a team who needed all three. He is 44-27 since coming to Minneapolis with 4 bowl appearances, winning each of them. Fleck’s name continues to be mentioned for this job if it becomes available.
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Dave Aranda
Head Coach, Baylor
Dave Aranda will continue to be mentioned for these jobs so long as he’s doing a decent job at Baylor. Aranda had a wealth of success at Wisconsin as DC before moving to LSU in the same role. A national title in Baton Rouge got him the head job at Baylor where he has made a bowl game 2 years in a row and won the Big XII title in 2021. He has a lot of characteristics that big programs will love, has worked with some of the biggest names in the game, and gets rave reviews from his peers.
Josh Heupel
Head Coach, Tennessee
He’s still on the list Vol fans. Scoff, yell, roll your eyes, but that won’t change it that Michigan would be foolish not to reach out to him. The reasons you want to keep him are the same reasons they would want him. We all know how good he is. Is Michigan a better job than UT? I absolutely think so. Does that mean it’s fact? Definitely not. In fact, the boss Mike Farrell disagrees with me on this. But it’s close enough for him to hear what the Wolverines would offer. Remember, he’s not some lifelong Vol alumni and homer who’s tied to Knoxville.
