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By Jordan Sigler
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On Sunday, reports surfaced that Michigan was targeting Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz and Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham in its national coaching search.
More News: Legendary College Football Coach to Step Down After Bowl Game
On Wednesday, the Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore with cause, throwing a wrench in the Power 4 coaching carousel. In the meantime, interim head coach Biff Poggi is preparing No. 18 Michigan to play No. 13 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
Read More on NCAA
During an episode of "Josh Pate's College Football Show" on Sunday, the host talked about Dillingham being a target for Michigan. He hinted that program insiders suggested there would be more booster activity if the Wolverines hired Dillingham as the program would go all-in for a dynamic head coach.
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“It's there. It's there. I've got it on good word," Pate said of donor money ready to be poured in for Dillingham. "A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there's a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution...
"From a donor energy and engagement standpoint, to where anybody, but especially a guy as dynamic as (Dillingham). If they get dropped in that seat, it's no guarantee from a records perspective. I just think it's a home run and I really hate saying that. So I just think it would be very successful. Let me put it that way. So anyway, that's how I would feel if I were Michigan.”
How would Pate feel if he were Moore? Moore had a down year in 2024, finishing 8-5.
However, the Wolverines finished with a 9-3 record in the regular season. It was Bryce Underwood's freshman season at quarterback.
Why weren't those donors ready to back Moore before Year 3?
Dillingham, 35, is 22-16 during his second season with ASU. The Sun Devils made the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Last week, Dillingham confirmed he had not spoken with Michigan about the head coaching position, but called the job one of the "best" in college football.
"That doesn't change how I feel about here," Dillingham said of ASU, via ESPN. "That doesn't change that my sister's my neighbor. That doesn't change that my parents live three doors down. ... (Michigan) is one of the best jobs in America, it's an unbelievable brand, an iconic brand, so a great opportunity for somebody."
Arizona State is set to play in the Sun Bowl against ACC champion Duke on Dec. 31.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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