Michigan won the most important game of the season on Saturday, but that wasn’t enough to save offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell’s job.
The Wolverines announced Tuesday they would relieve Campbell of his duties, which also include quarterbacks coach. Tight Ends coach Steve Casula will be the interim offensive coordinator for bowl season.
Comments from Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, via the program:
“After a thorough review of our offense, I have made the decision to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and move in a different direction,” Moore said. “This was a decision that I believe was in the best interest of our football program. I would like to thank Kirk for his hard work and dedication to the university, Michigan Football and our student-athletes. I wish him the best of luck in his future coaching endeavors.”
It was a challenging year for Michigan in the first season under Moore, who took over full-time from Jim Harbaugh after a breakthrough national championship. Moore filled his old position as offensive coordinator at Campbell, previously serving as the program’s quarterbacks coach in 2023 and an offensive analyst in 2022.
Before Michigan, Campbell’s play-calling experience included stints at Old Dominion and Division II Alderson Broaddus.
Michigan’s offense had problems in 2024
The offensive results weren’t pretty for Michigan, which also saw seven offensive players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, including quarterback JJ McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and wide receiver Roman Wilson.
The Wolverines ranked 117th in the nation in yards per play – after ranking 24th last season – and did not score more than 17 points in any of the six games against ranked opponents.
That battle didn’t stop Michigan from beating No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, though the numbers from that game normally wouldn’t be an argument for keeping Campbell. Quarterback Davis Warren went 9-for-16 for 62 passing yards and two interceptions, while the run game averaged 4.2 yards on 41 attempts.
Before the winning field goal, Michigan had scored all of its points on drives of three yards or less. The touchdown came on an interception deep in Buckeyes territory, while the first field goal was the product of a soft spot and a three-and-out.
As for what Michigan will do going forward, it certainly has plenty to offer the next offensive coordinator. Thanks to a donation from technology billionaire Larry Ellison, the program was able to transfer Rivals No. 2 quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood to Ann Arbor. It helps when the fourth richest man in the world is married to a Michigan alum.
