The Michigan Wolverines’ head coaching hunt continues to draw national attention, and one of the more intriguing names linked to the job is Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. As Michigan searches following the firing of Sherrone Moore, the NFL coach has emerged as a legitimate candidate, prompting him to publicly address the speculation surrounding his future.
Rees, currently in his first season as the Browns’ offensive coordinator, spoke to reporters on December 11, making it clear that his immediate focus remains in the NFL.
I’m really focused on trying to play good offensive football, get a young quarterback ready to play, support our players.”… “Some of those things are flattering, and you listen as a competitor.
The Browns OC said.
The timing of the rumors is notable. Cleveland sits at 3-10, and while wins have been scarce, internal attention has centered on the development of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Since head coach Kevin Stefanski handed Rees full play-calling duties in Week 10, the Browns’ offense has shown modest but noticeable improvement, even if it still ranks near the bottom of the league in total yardage.
Why Michigan is looking closely at Tommy Rees?
The Wolverines officially moved on from Moore on December 10 after the university cited credible findings related to an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Biff Poggi has taken over as interim head coach, but the team is actively evaluating long-term options, and Rees fits several key criteria.
At just 33 years old, Rees already has an unusually diverse experience. A former Notre Dame quarterback, he transitioned quickly into coaching, getting his first NFL role with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016. He later returned to Notre Dame, serving as quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022. That success led to a high-profile move to Alabama, where he was in charge of the offense under Nick Saban.
Tommy returned to the NFL in 2024 with Cleveland and was elevated to offensive coordinator in 2025. Along the way, he has interviewed for multiple high-profile college jobs, including Penn State and North Carolina, with a clear interest in eventually becoming a head coach.
Does Rees, an ex-Fighting Irish, really wants to be a Wolverine?
Michigan’s appeal is obvious. The Wolverines play in the Big Ten, boast an 18-8 record over the past two seasons, and offer resources that Cleveland cannot match. However, the Browns value their OC highly. Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders has flourished under his guidance, posting 364 total yards and four touchdowns in Week 14 against Tennessee-earning NFL Rookie of the Week honors and securing the starting role for the remainder of the season.
Browns receivers coach Chad O’Shea recently praised Tommy’s leadership, calling his ability to guide players during difficult stretches a defining trait.
Still, Michigan has a lot of options. Jesse Minter, the former Wolverines defensive coordinator and current Chargers DC, remains a strong contender with deep ties to Ann Arbor and a championship pedigree.
For now, the Cleveland offensive coordinator is staying put, but as Michigan’s coaching search intensifies, his name is unlikely to fade from the conversation anytime soon.
Read the full article here
