Michigan Wolverines Eye Chip Lindsey as Next Offensive Coordinator
Big changes are brewing in Ann Arbor, and the Michigan Wolverines are making headlines once again. According to sources, Michigan is targeting North Carolina‘s Chip Lindsey to step in as their next offensive coordinator. While the deal isn’t finalized yet, Lindsey is reportedly the frontrunner for the job, as confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Max Olson.
So, who is Chip Lindsey, and why is Michigan zeroing in on him? Lindsey, 50, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s been the offensive coordinator for the Tar Heels for the past two seasons, during which North Carolina boasted the nation’s No. 7 offense in 2023. That’s no small feat, especially when you consider that Lindsey coached quarterback Drake Maye, who was selected by the New England Patriots as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Lindsey also has a history of working with NFL talent, including Jarrett Stidham, a fourth-round draft pick out of Auburn.
Before his time at North Carolina, Lindsey held coordinator roles at UCF, Auburn, Arizona State, and Southern Miss. He even served as head coach at Troy from 2019 to 2021, where he posted a 15-19 record. Notably, Lindsey’s coaching journey began at the high school level in his home state of Alabama, giving him a grassroots understanding of the game.
Why Michigan Needs a Change
The Wolverines are coming off a rollercoaster season, and their offensive struggles have been glaring. After losing NFL first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy from their 2023 national championship team, Michigan’s offense took a nosedive. They started three different quarterbacks this fall and plummeted to 129th nationally in passing and 112th in scoring. Ouch.
Head coach Sherrone Moore, who served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2023, promoted Kirk Campbell to the role after stepping down. However, Campbell’s tenure was short-lived, as he was fired last week after just one season. Now, the Wolverines are looking to Lindsey to turn things around.
What Lindsey Will Inherit
If Lindsey takes the job, he’ll have some exciting pieces to work with. Michigan recently landed quarterback Bryce Underwood, ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class. Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan last week, a huge win for the Wolverines. However, Lindsey will also face some challenges. The team is set to lose top senior running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, as well as their leading wide receiver, Tyler Morris, who entered the transfer portal. Tight end Colston Loveland, who led the team with 56 receptions for 582 yards, is also projected as a top NFL prospect if he decides to forgo his final college season.
What’s Next for Michigan?
While Lindsey’s hiring isn’t official yet, the buzz around his potential arrival is already sparking conversations. Michigan fans are eager to see if he can replicate the offensive success he had at North Carolina and help the Wolverines reclaim their dominance. With Bryce Underwood waiting in the wings and a storied program hungry for another championship run, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Here’s a quick recap of what Lindsey brings to the table:
- Two seasons as North Carolina’s offensive coordinator, leading the nation’s No. 7 offense in 2023.
- Experience coaching NFL-caliber quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Jarrett Stidham.
- Previous coordinator roles at UCF, Auburn, Arizona State, and Southern Miss.
- A head coaching stint at Troy from 2019 to 2021.
Michigan’s decision to pursue Lindsey signals a clear desire to revamp their offense and build a system that can compete at the highest level. Whether Lindsey is the right man for the job remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Wolverines are pulling out all the stops to get back on top.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
