“I’ve got a name for you”: Dan Patrick hints at surprise Michigan HC candidate with deep program ties

The Michigan Wolverines are still searching for a replacement for Sherrone Moore. Moore was fired after an investigation found him to have violated school policy.

A host of names have been linked to the high-profile vacancy, and Dan Patrick has a surprise candidate up his sleeve.

"One of my college sources said to me yesterday. ‘I’ve got a name for you.’ And he said, ‘I’ve spoken to somebody at Michigan about this name,'” Patrick teased. “This person has not been interviewed, but this person does have ties to Michigan. The name is Brian Griese, former quarterback at Michigan." "Now, that’s all the information I have. But the more I thought about it with Brian Griese, former analyst at the Mothership, Monday Night Football, and then helping Kyle Shanahan with the Niners and Brock Purdy. He doesn’t have head-coaching experience, I don’t even know if he’d be interested. Maybe you interview him." said Dan Patrick.

Patrick pointed out that Griese won the Rose Bowl and a national championship with the Wolverines. He is also the son of the legendary Bob Griese.

The Michigan Wolverines have employed former star quarterbacks in the past. Jim Harbaugh thrived as a player and coach in Ann Arbor and led them to their most recent national championship. Griese could be a statement Alma mater hire.

Brian Griese could bring an NFL pedigree to Michigan

Brian Griese enjoyed an 11-year playing career in the NFL. He had stints as a starter and backup before retiring after the 2008 season.

Griese transitioned to broadcasting after his retirement from the gridiron. He then took his first steps in coaching by accepting the quarterbacks' coaching role with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

Griese excelled in the role and played a major role in developing former Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, into an MVP contender with the 49ers. However, he stepped away from the role on February 26, 2025, to spend more time with his family.

Brian Griese is a seasoned campaigner and could bring an NFL pedigree to the Michigan Wolverines. He spent over a decade playing in the league, ample time as a broadcaster, and was a quarterbacks coach under offensive guru Kyle Shanahan.

The Michigan Wolverines are entering a new era after Sherrone Moore's tenure. Griese could be a transitional hire, and a masterstroke if it all works out.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe