In the ever-evolving chess game, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore seems not to be waiting for the pieces to move — he’s making his own. The impact of the House v NCAA settlement, which will allow schools to allocate up to 22% of their athletic revenue (approximately $20 million annually) to student-athletes starting in 2025, has created uncertainty over roster management and financial allocations of funds among recruits including elite talents like OT Andrew Babalola and CB Shamari Earls. Some programs might hit the panic button. But not Moore…

Instead of retreating, he’s doubling down on stability within his coaching ranks. Sherrone Moore is now promoting Pernell McPhee outside of the linebackers coach. The former Baltimore Ravens standout, who spent last season as an assistant, now steps into a larger role after helping Michigan boast a top-10 defense nationally. 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz first broke the news on X today, confirming the Wolverines’ commitment to keeping defensive excellence intact.

McPhee’s promotion is a testament to how highly Sherrone Moore values his presence in Ann Arbor. A hard-nosed linebacker during his NFL days. The 6’3”, 269-pounder carved out a decade-long pro career with the Ravens, Bears, and Commanders, playing under defensive masterminds like Wink Martindale. That experience, combined with his brief but impactful time assisting Michigan’s defense in 2024, made him a natural fit for an expanded role. While Moore’s head coaching philosophy is rooted in physicality and toughness, McPhee embodies that mentality from firsthand experience, giving Michigan’s front seven a coach who’s lived what he teaches.

The coaching shake-up doesn’t stop with the Mississippi State alum. Moore has been aggressively fine-tuning his staff this offseason, bringing in Chip Lindsey as offensive coordinator and reinstating program staples like Biff Poggi and Erik Campbell. Poggi, known for his role in shaping Michigan’s hard-nosed identity, returns as associate head coach, while Campbell, a veteran of the Wolverines’ coaching ranks, resumes his work with the wide receivers. Moore isn’t just filling seats — he’s building a staff with a blend of new voices and familiar faces, ensuring that Michigan retains its edge even as the landscape shifts.

Beyond just assembling a staff, these moves highlight a crucial reality: Moore understands that Michigan’s future depends on stability. With top programs bracing for the impact of financial reform in college athletics, roster retention, and staff cohesion are more valuable than ever.

The financial crunch could have triggered a full-scale exodus, but instead, Moore is making sure the program’s foundation stays intact. However, his aggressive approach to staff building isn’t just about maintaining the status quo…

Sherrone Moore’s recruiting blitz

In year 1 Coach Moore may have had some bumps along the way, but make no mistake — the Wolverines are back on the rise under his leadership. And if there’s one thing fueling that momentum, it’s recruiting.

Michigan just crushed the 2025 recruiting cycle, landing the No. 6 class in the nation, according to 247Sports team rankings. The biggest splash? Of course, Quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, who sent Michigan’s ranking skyrocketing the moment he committed.

But Moore isn’t doing it alone. His staff is making major waves, with three Michigan assistants landing in 247Sports’ latest Top 10 recruiter rankings — a testament to the program’s all-in recruiting approach. Grant Newsome (offensive line coach), Ronald Bellamy (wide receivers coach), and LaMar Morgan (defensive backs coach) have been relentless in locking down top-tier talent, helping Michigan reload for another run at national dominance.

Now, with the NFL addition of McPhee stepping into a bigger role, his staff is built for success.