Michigan Football: Holiday Wish List for the Wolverines

Michigan fans are sulking at home while rivals Michigan State and Ohio State are both Top 10 teams in major postseason bowls. It’ll be a long offseason in Ann Arbor as the team searches for both a new coach and a permanent athletic director.

Here’s a wish list that could brighten up Michigan’s holiday season.

No 1. Jersey for Amara Darboh

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The early departure of Devin Funchess opens up the No. 1 jersey for someone to earn, and Amara Darboh has the best chance to seize the opportunity.

Michigan will have a new quarterback next season, and Darboh should be the top target for whoever takes over as the team's signal-caller.

Bowl Game Next Season

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Midwestern winters are a daunting prospect for Southern recruits making the trek to Ann Arbor. Bowl trips offer a warm destination to ease the winter chill and provide crucial additional practices to prepare for next season.

Michigan needs to return to a bowl game next season to jump-start the rebuilding process.

100,000 Fans in Attendance (Not Tickets Sold)

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Michigan’s streak of 100,000 or more fans stands at 258 consecutive games—but it came perilously close to ending last season.

There were several games where the crowd appeared to be sparse by Michigan standards. The team needs a quick turnaround to save the streak.

Permanent Athletic Director

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Interim athletic director Jim Hackett is running the coaching search, and he is drawing accolades for his systematic approach. He wouldn’t be the first stopgap administrator to become intoxicated by the position.

Whether he decides to stay, Michigan needs a permanent athletic director to help right the ship after the David Brandon era.

Quick Recovery for Drake Johnson

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Last season, Michigan's historically vaunted running game returned for a few magical games thanks to Drake Johnson. He brought an elusive running style and enthusiasm that had been lacking during the Brady Hoke era.

Unfortunately, Johnson injured his ACL versus Ohio State—which ended any chance of an upset for the Wolverines—marking the second time he has injured that ACL in his career.

Jabrill Peppers to Stay

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Top defensive recruit Jabrill Peppers had a disappointing freshman campaign because of injuries that limited him to eight tackles in three games.

The loss of Peppers—who Brady Hoke had envisioned playing on special teams and offense—was a blow to the team’s prospects. Peppers is expected to fully recover from his injuries, but there’s no predicting how comfortable he’ll be with a new coaching staff.

Wins over Michigan State and Ohio State

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While Michigan has played Ohio State tough in recent losses, it has been hammered by Michigan State the last two seasons.

The Wolverines need to start beating its top rivals. Any new coach will be judged by how often Michigan can beat the Spartans and the Buckeyes.

Find a Quarterback

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Shane Morris

The graduation of Devin Gardner leaves the quarterback battle wide open next season.

Both Shane Morris and Russell Bellomy are expected to return but have had injury problems. Wilton Speight is also expected to return after redshirting his freshman season. Alex Malzone has committed to the team despite the coaching change.

Michigan needs a quarterback who can limit turnovers and connect with receivers for big plays—something it has lacked the last two seasons.

Big Ten Title

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Lloyd Carr delivered Michigan its last Big Ten title in 2004

It’s been 10 years since Michigan won the Big Ten title, and it desperately needs a coach who can get the team back to regularly contending for championships.

That means the Wolverines need to beat both of their key rivals (Michigan State and Ohio State) and win the conference championship game. The program has gone through two coaches trying to find a leader up to the task.

New Coach (Named Harbaugh)

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Michigan’s top wish is to have Jim Harbaugh as its next head coach. If Harbaugh declines, then Les Miles would make a great consolation gift.

There are many great coaches Michigan could hire, but these two have the most supporters among fans who are hoping for a quick return to glory for the Wolverines.