As the Michigan Wolverines usher in a new era with Sherrone Moore as the head coach, discussions about the coaching staff for the upcoming season take center stage. Moore expressed the desire to retain as many staff members as possible during his introductory news conference. 

Notably, Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt highlights the pivotal role of Michigan’s strength and conditioning coach, Ben Herbert, suggesting that retaining him should be a top priority under the expected leadership of Sherrone Moore.

Joel Klatt highlights the importance of retaining Ben Herbert

Joel Klatt, on Thursday’s emergency episode of The Joel Klatt Show, emphasized the importance of retaining Michigan’s strength and conditioning coach, Ben Herbert, under Sherrone Moore’s expected leadership. Klatt expressed the belief that Herbert’s fit at Michigan in a college setting is significant, predicting he might stay and contribute to preserving the locker room culture during the coaching transition.

“Why is he such a priority?” asked Klatt before explaining, “First and foremost you have to understand, that the strength coach in any program, spends more time with the players than any other coach on staff.” The strength coach becomes an important “conduit” to the culture one wants to build around the program. The strength coach strength coach is not only executing his duties by leveling up the team’s endurance and performance but also becoming “an extension of the head coach.”

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Herbert, a key figure since 2018, received high praise from former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who credited him for elevating the team’s conditioning, strength, and mental toughness. “To me, Ben Herbert, X-factor in our entire football program,” Harbaughhad mentioned, “The level of conditioning, the level of strength, the lesson of mental toughness. That’s been the center of it.” Retaining Herbert could foster the development of Michigan players with resilience and physical endurance.

Jim Harbaugh had pushed for Michigan to hire Sherrone Moore 

Michigan has appointed Sherrone Moore as its new head coach, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who recently departed for the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore, the 37-year-old offensive coordinator, takes on the challenge of sustaining Michigan’s success. Athletic director Warde Manuel highlighted Harbaugh’s endorsement of Moore, describing him as the ideal choice. Moore, though formally a first-time head coach, demonstrated leadership during Harbaugh’s suspensions in the 2023 season, guiding the team to a 4-0 record. 

His five-year contract, with a starting annual salary of $5.5 million, includes guaranteed raises and bonuses tied to achievements like conference championships and national titles. Moore, previously the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator, has been praised for his work ethic and connection with players. Notably, he inherits the coaching role as Michigan transitions to a new quarterback for the upcoming season.

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