Meaning Behind the “M”: Moore Carries on Schembechler Tradition at Michigan

By Beck Silver

Sherrone Moore , the new head coach at the University of Michigan, has a tall task ahead of him this season. Facing some of the Big Ten’s toughest competition, including Oregon, OSU, Washington , and USC, it will be difficult for Moore to replicate the undefeated season the Wolverines had last year. The program has seen great change this year with a new QB1, new starters, a new head coach, and a change that hasn’t been covered as much: Sherrone Moore’s hat.

During his time as an offensive coordinator and interim head coach, Moore wore his usual block “M” hat (pictured below). Prior to being the head coach with the Wolverines, Moore spent three years as the tight ends coach, two years as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and spent the 2023 season as the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and interim head coach.

However, now that he is officially the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, Moore explained in an interview with the Big Ten Network that he’ll be continuing Bo Schembechler & Jim Harbaugh ’s tradition of wearing the skinny “M” hat during their time as head coach (pictured below).

While this may seem like a minor change, this demonstrates Moore’s dedication to continuing the legacy of both Schembechler & Harbaugh. Additionally, it's another tradition held close to the hearts of Michigan fans alongside "Mr. Brightside," Slippery Rock , and the "Go Blue" walkout banner.

Bo Schembechler was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines from 1969-1989, yielding a 234-65-8 record. Although he never won a National Championship with the Wolverines, he made the program consistently strong. Jim Harbaugh, on the other hand, was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines from 2014-2023, curating a 86-25 record and bringing home a National Championship in the 2023 season.

Will carrying on this tradition allow Moore to see the same success that Schembechler and Harbaugh saw? Moore and the Wolverines have a big season ahead of them filled with tough competition , but they’re ready to make a statement to the world of college football.