CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones feels it is “unlikely” that former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden will make his comeback to coaching with Michigan.

“I truly do not know if Gruden will coach again this upcoming year or beyond, and it’s possible that question won’t be answered until his lawsuit against the NFL reaches a conclusion,” Jones wrote. “But I do not see Gruden to Michigan as a possibility in Ann Arbor, according to multiple sources.”

Gruden last coached in 2021 before resigning as the Raiders’ coach. He is involved in pending legislation against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell.

Michigan is seeking a replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was recently fired with cause after two seasons with the program.

Gruden played an advisory role for the New Orleans Saints in 2023. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later said he felt Gruden could have taken the Saints’ offensive coordinator job “if he had wanted” it.

Since then, Gruden has served as an advisor with the European League Football’s Milano Seamen and worked with Barstool Sports.

Michigan football is seeking stability after the abrupt ending to the tenures of both Moore and Jim Harbaugh, who is currently coaching the Los Angeles Chargers while under a 10-year show-cause order from the NCAA.

The Wolverines have already lost multiple commits since Moore’s departure, including offensive lineman Bear McWhorter and tight end Matt Ludwig.

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The coaching change will also open eligibility for members of the Wolverines’ early signing class, including top-50 prospects defensive end Carter Meadows and running back Savion Hitter, to request a release from the program.

Multiple recruiting targets from the 2027 class meanwhile indicated to On3’s Ethan McDowell that who Michigan hires could ultimately influence their decision.

The most important thing for Michigan will be to keep quarterback Bryce Underwood, who flipped from LSU last winter in the Wolverines’ biggest recruiting win of the offseason, from entering the transfer portal in January.

Michigan will hope to have some answers as to who will be leading the Wolverines in 2026 by the time the transfer portal opens Jan. 2.