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15 hours ago
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Josh Pate, a popular college football analyst on YouTube, believes the Michigan coaching search is about to focus its efforts. On his Sunday evening show, Pate including the usual cast of characters for the Michigan job search.
Four of these seem as unlikely as Florida landing Lane Kiffin. Kalen DeBoer, Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Clark Lea. He also included recently fired Brian Kelly, Jedd Fisch, Tommy Rees, Jesse Minter, and Willie Fritz.
The name left off is the name Pate believes Michigan should put their full effort into. Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham is an Arizona State alum and is not shy about voicing his affection for the university. While his 2025 season was a story of inconsistency and injury issues, Dillingham had success almost immediately at Arizona State.
Pate was adamant that he was not advocating for any specific coach. Specifically, one who is in a good situation. He also revealed that he prefers when good coaches stay at their alma maters or coach in the same place for a long time. However, this take is not based on what Pate wants. It’s based on what he would do if he were advocating for Michigan.
“You’ve got to understand what Michigan has had, versus what he would bring,” Pate said. “Michigan is like an oil field, that really hasn’t been drilled properly. From a passion, energy and resources standpoint, in the new age, no one’s really drilled deep at Michigan yet.”
On Saturday following a Sun Devils practice, Coach Dillingham spoke to the media and addressed the Michigan rumors. He reiterated his affection for Arizona State and his desire to remain in Tempe Arizona.
He also confirmed that he has not heard directly from Michigan regarding their open head coaching job. Weeks ago, news surfaced that Arizona State was working on a contract extension for Dillingham, but nothing has been announced.
The most noteworthy aspect of Dillingham’s Saturday media session was an over 30-second pause. While talking about his affection for Arizona State, Dillingham needed to compose himself amidst what appears to be an emotional reaction. That pause has led to speculation as to whether that is a good sign or a bad sign for Arizona State.
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) December 13, 2025“This is the Michigan job guys,” Pate proclaimed. “I don’t know what else to tell ya. Pretty much everyone’s going to listen. Outside of Ryan Day, I’m going to rule out Ryan Day for the Michigan job. I’m pretty sure Kirby Smart is happy at Georgia. Other than that, I’d be nervous.”
Michigan appears to be in the exploratory phase of their coaching search. Many names have been speculated, some are mentioned here. However, there has been no confirmation of any contact that has been made to any prospective coaching candidates as of yet.
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