The Michigan Wolverines football program announced Sunday that offensive coordinator Jason Beck has been fired following the team’s 15-6 loss to Michigan State on Saturday. The decision comes amid Michigan’s offensive struggles, which have included scoring fewer than 20 points in six of nine games this season. Beck’s firing marks a significant shift in the Wolverines’ coaching staff as they navigate a disappointing 5-4 campaign.
Interim offensive coordinator named: Michigan has named offensive line coach Jim Harding as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. The move follows Beck’s dismissal, which was announced via the team’s official social media accounts. Beck’s contract included a potential payout of up to $10.1 million, with approximately $7 million in salary and $3.1 million in retention bonuses, according to ESPN. The buyout is believed to be the largest in college football history for an assistant coach.
Michigan’s offensive woes were on full display during Saturday’s game, as the Wolverines were held scoreless for over 58 minutes before Michigan State secured a 15-6 victory. This marked the first time in 30 years that Michigan lost a game without scoring a touchdown. The team’s offensive coordinator change reflects broader concerns about the Wolverines’ performance this season, particularly under head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Quarterback situation remains unresolved: The Wolverines’ quarterback decision has also drawn scrutiny. True freshman Tommy Carr started the game against Michigan State but managed just 138 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing for -19 yards. His performance followed a 266-yard, three-touchdown game against Rutgers on October 31. Meanwhile, Bryce Underwood, a former five-star recruit who transferred from LSU, has underperformed in his second season with Michigan, completing 58.1% of his passes for 924 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions before being benched earlier in the season. Whittingham has indicated that the starting quarterback position remains open between Carr and Underwood as the team approaches its final three games.
Program facing bowl eligibility uncertainty: With a 5-4 record, Michigan’s bowl eligibility is in question as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. The last time Michigan failed to make a bowl game was in 2014 under former head coach Brady Hoke, who was fired following that season. Athletic director Warde Manuel hired Whittingham to stabilize the program after the dismissal of former coach Sherrone Moore, but the team’s struggles have raised questions about the direction of the program.
Michigan’s next game is scheduled for November 15 against Maryland, with the outcome potentially determining their postseason fate.