Sherrone Moore addressed a variety of topics about his football program on the main stage at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, the discussion largely focused on defending their National Championship title, the offensive line, and the quarterback competition. Here’s a summary of Moore’s insights on Team 145.
Opening Statement
“Team 145 has done an excellent job so far in taking the necessary steps to become elite. We’ve set out to win the big games, beat our rivals, including Ohio State, win the Big Ten, and aim for the College Football Playoff title. Our team can be described as tough, smart, dependable, relentless, enthusiastic, and united. We’re striving for perfection in everything we do, every day. This is a continuous process, and we approach it with an enthusiasm that’s unmatched.”
On Being Hunted as Defending National Champions
“For us, it’s about improving every day. Whether we’re being hunted or hunting others, we’re always in pursuit. We don’t sit back and wait; we attack our process. We’ll work hard to ensure we’re doing everything possible to be successful.”
On the Offensive Line
“Our players have done an outstanding job maintaining our culture, unity, and brotherhood. Bringing in the right staff was crucial, and Coach [Grant] Newsome has been exceptional in mentoring and leading our offensive linemen. The players have embraced what it takes to practice and perform at a high level. As head coach with an offensive line background, I take great pride in ensuring our line is ready for game one.”
On the Quarterback Battle
“All of our quarterbacks have the qualities needed to be successful starters at the University of Michigan or elsewhere. We’re fortunate to have such talented players, each with unique strengths. The main qualities we look for in our starting quarterback are playmaking ability, good decision-making, ball security, and a strong desire to win. They must be willing to do whatever it takes for the team.”
On the Timeline to Announce the Starting Quarterback
“The timeline for naming the starting quarterback is when we feel confident that the chosen player can help us win. There’s no set date or time. Our coaching staff, including Kirk Campbell, who is a phenomenal coach, will make a great decision together.”
On Hiring Former Ohio State Staff Members
“We brought in two outstanding individuals, Tony [Alford] and Erin, who are well-rounded, educated, and trustworthy. I’ve known Tony for a long time and have great respect for his work. Although I don’t know Erin as well, I’ve heard great things about her. We aim to have great people in our program, mentors who can lead our players effectively. I’m excited to see their contributions as we move forward.”
On Michigan’s National Championship Contender Status
“Our goal every year is to win the National Championship, and that remains unchanged. At Michigan, that goal should always be at the forefront. We’ll assess our team’s readiness during training camp and the early games of the season. I’m confident and excited about our team. Every team is unique, and I’m eager to see how Team 145 shapes up.”
On Assembling His Staff
“I took my time in assembling the right mix of people to lead our program. The process varied, with some hires happening quickly and others taking longer. The key was finding individuals who are not only great coaches but also great people who care deeply about our student-athletes.”
On Maintaining Championship-Level Operations
“The most important step I’ve taken is bringing in the right staff and surrounding our players with the best people. I’ve learned to delegate more effectively and have leaned on mentors like Coach Harbaugh to understand how he built this program. Having been here for the past six years has been incredibly beneficial. Now, I’m adding my own touch without changing too much, always looking for ways to improve daily.”
