Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Builds Ties with Nick Saban

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore has established a valuable connection with renowned Alabama coach Nick Saban, engaging in regular conversations to gain insights and advice. This relationship has developed alongside Moore’s impressive coaching journey, which includes stints at Oklahoma, Louisville, and Central Michigan before arriving in Ann Arbor.

During a recent press conference on November 10, 2023, Moore revealed that he reaches out to Saban approximately every month or two. “When you call coach Saban, sometimes it’s like, you don’t know if he really wants to talk to you, but he does,” Moore explained. “Once he starts talking, it’s outstanding.”

Moore’s respect for Saban is evident. He considers the Alabama coach to be one of the greatest in college football history, having won seven national championships—one with LSU in 2003 and six with Alabama in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. The Wolverines notably handed Saban a loss in his final game as coach, defeating Alabama 27-20 in overtime during the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024, a College Football Playoff semifinal.

Moore’s relationship with Saban was facilitated in part by Michigan associate head coach Biff Poggi, who has been friends with Saban for years. After being named full-time coach following Jim Harbaugh‘s departure to coach the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, Moore sought Saban’s contact in February 2024.

Reflecting on their discussions, Moore recounted a moment when Saban expressed his frustrations about Michigan’s game plan during their encounters. “I remember [Saban] talking about how he really didn’t like our game plan against them,” Moore shared. “You guys shifted, motion to every play was annoying. And I was like, ‘thanks, coach.'”

As the press conference wrapped up, a light-hearted moment occurred when a reporter jokingly inquired whether Moore feared Saban might seek revenge for the Rose Bowl loss. Moore smiled and responded, “No, I don’t think so. Unless we’re playing Alabama.”

This ongoing dialogue between Moore and Saban highlights the collaborative nature of coaching in college football, where connections can lead to growth and improved strategies. Moore’s proactive approach in seeking advice from established figures like Saban not only enriches his own coaching philosophy but also exemplifies the fraternity-like bonds that exist among coaches in the sport.