Sherrone Moore reflects on what he learned through head coaching experience in 2023

Sherrone Moore got to do something of a test drive as Michigan’s head football coach in 2023, serving as the head coach on game day for the final three contests of the regular season. It’s an experience he’s learned plenty from.

From all the prep that pours into each decision on game days to always being in the spotlight, Moore gleaned plenty from his stint as the head man, lessons that will carry over into his tenure as the now-full time head coach. He shared more during a recent interview with FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt.

“I learned that you’re always in the spotlight, there’s always somebody watching you,” Moore said. “But the decisions you make not only impact that side of the ball, but the whole team, and how important, how diligent, how detailed you need to be in the preparation of all that. I was very humbled, again, to just be in that position and do that.”

As for somebody always watching, plenty of people did as he delivered an on-field postgame interview that quickly went viral, as Moore got emotional after leading the Wolverines to a win in a hostile road environment at Penn State.

Moore had learned the previous evening — along with everyone else — that then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the final three games of the regular season. Less than 24 hours later, he found himself on the field after a Top 10 win with a microphone and television camera in front of him.

“The first game that it happened was the Penn State game and it was an environment that’s close to unmatched in any college football arena, especially for an away team,” Moore said to Klatt now. “It was loud, it was volatile, it was fun, invigorating. But it was something that our players kind of gravitated towards and they love that, they love being the villain and it was a special, special game.” 

And he even quipped about the fact that Michigan, to deal with Penn State’s speed rush, ran the ball on 32 consecutive snaps in the second half of that game.

Moore wouldn’t say he’d never do it again, as he’s down to do what is required on the occasion to win. But it’s not ideal, and he’d be the first to admit it now.

“I’m not saying I wont do it again, because if it has to be done we will,” Moore said. “Wasn’t the plan, wasn’t the plan at all. Just kind of happened that way. At the end of the day, we’re going to do whatever it takes to win. So if we’ve gotta do that, we will.”