Michigan won its most important game of the season on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to save offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell’s job.
The Wolverines announced Tuesday that they were relieving Campbell of his duties, which included quarterbacks coach. Coach Steve Casula will become the interim offensive coordinator for the bowl season.
Comment from Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore via the program:
“After a thorough review of our offense, I’ve decided to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and go in a different direction,” Moore said. “It was a decision that I felt was in the best interest of our football program. I want 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’s been a tough year for Michigan in its first season under Moore, who took over for Jim Harbaugh full-time after a breakthrough national championship. Moore filled his old offensive coordinator position with Campbell, who was previously the program’s quarterbacks coach in 2023 and offensive analyst in 2022.
Prior to Michigan, Campbell’s experience included stints at Old Dominion and Division II Alderson Broaddus.
Michigan’s offense struggled in 2024
The offensive results weren’t pretty for Michigan, as seven offensive players were 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 game — after 24th last season — and have not scored more than 17 points in any of their six games against ranked opponents.
Those struggles didn’t stop Michigan from stunning No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, though the numbers from that game wouldn’t normally make an argument for keeping Campbell. Quarterback Davis Warren was 9-for-16 for 62 yards passing and two interceptions, while the running game averaged 4.2 yards on 41 attempts.
Prior to the game-winning field goal, Michigan had all of its punts on three yards or less. His touchdown came on an interception deep in Buckeyes territory, while the first field goal was the result of a weak punt and three.
As for what Michigan will do next, it at least has something to offer the next offensive coordinator. Thanks to a donation from tech billionaire Larry Ellison, the program was able to flip Rivals’ No. 1 quarterback recruit. 2 Bryce Underwood to Ann Arbor. It helps when the world’s fourth-richest man is married to a Michigan alum.