Full History Of Michigan Wolverines football In Timeline From 1900

1900: Michigan seeks new football coach

After the 1900 season, Charles A. Baird offered Fielding H. Yost a coaching position due to dissatisfaction with recent performance.

1900: Michigan Wolverines coaching history

From 1900 to 1989, Michigan was led by a series of nine head coaches, each of whom has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame either as a player or as a coach.

1900: Unsatisfactory results relative to the 1898 season

Michigan went 8–2 and 7–2–1 in 1899 and 1900, results that were considered unsatisfactory relative to the 10–0 season of 1898.

1901: Michigan retroactively awarded national titles

Also during 1926, Michigan was retroactively awarded national titles for the 1901 and 1902 seasons via the Houlgate System.

1901: Michigan participates in the inaugural Rose Bowl

At the end of the 1901 season, Michigan participated in the inaugural Rose Bowl and dominated the game.

1901: Michigan continues undefeated streak

From 1901 through 1904, Michigan didn't lose a single game.

1901: Fielding H. Yost becomes Michigan's head coach

In 1901, Fielding H. Yost became Michigan's head coach and guided his "Point-a-Minute" squads to a streak of 56 games without a defeat.

1901: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1902: Michigan retroactively awarded national titles

Also during 1926, Michigan was retroactively awarded national titles for the 1901 and 1902 seasons via the Houlgate System.

1902: Michigan victory in the Rose Bowl

In 1902, Michigan had a victory in the Rose Bowl, the first college football bowl game ever played.

1902: Michigan outscores opponents

In 1902, Michigan outscored its opponents 644 to 12 and finished the season 11–0.

1902: Planning for Ferry Field Begins

In 1902, due to the inadequacy of Regents Field, work began on planning the next home stadium for the Michigan football team, thanks to donations from Dexter M. Ferry.

1902: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1903: Michigan plays Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug

In 1903, Michigan played a game against Minnesota that started the rivalry for the Little Brown Jug, the oldest rivalry trophy in college football.

1903: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1903: Michigan claims titles

Other major selectors retroactively awarded Michigan with titles in the 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1925, and 1926 seasons.

1904: Michigan continues undefeated streak

From 1901 through 1904, Michigan didn't lose a single game.

1904: Michigan records a lopsided defeat

In 1904, Michigan once again went undefeated at 10–0 while recording one of the most lopsided defeats in college football history, a 130–0 defeat of the West Virginia Mountaineers.

1904: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1904: Michigan claims titles

Other major selectors retroactively awarded Michigan with titles in the 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1925, and 1926 seasons.

1905: Michigan's undefeated streak is broken

At the end of the 1905 season, Michigan's undefeated streak was halted by Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons in a game dubbed "The First Greatest Game of the Century."

1905: End of Michigan's undefeated streak

In 1905, Fielding H. Yost's "Point-a-Minute" squads' streak of 56 games without a defeat came to an end.

1905: Chicago ends Michigan's winning streak

In 1918, Michigan played the first game against Stagg's Chicago Maroons since Chicago ended Michigan's winning streak in 1905.

1906: Ferry Field Constructed

In 1906, Ferry Field was constructed with a maximum temporary capacity of 18,000, powered by a $30,000 donation from Dexter M. Ferry.

1906: Michigan ties for Big 9 title

In 1906, Michigan tied for another Big 9 title before opting to go independent for the 1907 season.

1907: Michigan takes a hiatus from the Big Ten Conference

In 1907, Michigan began a hiatus from the Big Ten Conference.

1907: Michigan goes independent

In 1907, Michigan opted to go independent after tying for a Big 9 title in 1906.

1908: Michigan gets battered by Penn

In 1908, Michigan got battered by Penn in a game in which Michigan center Germany Schulz took such a battering as to have to be dragged off the field.

1909: Michigan suffers first loss to Notre Dame

In 1909, Michigan suffered its first loss to Notre Dame, leading Yost to refuse to schedule another game against Notre Dame.

1910: Michigan has undefeated season

In 1910, Michigan played their only undefeated season of the independent years, going 3–0–3.

1910: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1914: Ferry Field Expanded

In 1914, Ferry Field was expanded to a capacity of 21,000.

1916: Michigan rejoins the Big Ten Conference

In 1916, Michigan rejoined the Big Ten Conference after a hiatus.

1916: Michigan's struggles continue

Overall from 1907 to 1916, Michigan lost at least one game every year (with the exception of 1910).

1917: Michigan rejoins the Big 9

In 1917, Michigan rejoined the Big 9, after which it was called the Big Ten.

1918: Michigan defeats Chicago Maroons

In 1918, Michigan played the first game against Stagg's Chicago Maroons since 1905, defeating them 18–0.

1918: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1919: Michigan's lean years

The years around 1919 were lean, with Michigan going 3–4 in 1919.

1920: Michigan's lean years

The years around 1920 were lean, with Michigan going 5–2 in 1920.

1921: Big Ten Bowl Restriction

From 1921 to 1945, the Big Ten Conference prohibited its teams from participating in bowl games.

1921: Ferry Field Expanded

In 1921, Ferry Field was expanded to a capacity of 42,000.

1921: Yost as athletic director

In 1926, Yost stepped aside to focus on being Michigan's athletic director, a post he had held since 1921, thus ending the greatest period of success in the history of Michigan football.

1921: Michigan's lean years

The years around 1921 were lean, with Michigan going 5–1–1 in 1921.

1922: Michigan spoils Dedication Day for Ohio Stadium

In 1922 Michigan managed to spoil the "Dedication Day" for Ohio Stadium, defeating the Buckeyes 19–0 and capturing a Big Ten title.

1923: Michigan wins conference championship

In 1923, Michigan went 8–0, winning another conference championship.

1923: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1924: George Little coaches the Wolverines

In 1924 the Wolverines were coached by George Little, and saw their 20-game unbeaten streak end at the hands of Red Grange. After the season, Little left Michigan to accept positions at Wisconsin, returning athletic director Yost to the head coaching position.

1924: Michigan-Illinois Consecutive Games Started

The rivalry between Illinois and Michigan is historic, with the two schools having played 73 consecutive years beginning in 1924.

1925: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1925: "Benny-to-Bennie" combination

The 1925 and 1926 seasons did not include a conference title, but they were memorable due to the presence of the famous "Benny-to-Bennie" combination.

1926: Contemporaneous Selectors

Before 1926, there were generally no contemporaneous selectors for championships.

1926: Michigan Most Valuable Player Award Began

Beginning in 1926, Michigan awarded the Michigan Most Valuable Player Award.

1926: Yost steps aside to focus on being Michigan's athletic director

In 1926, Yost stepped aside to focus on being Michigan's athletic director, a post he had held since 1921, thus ending the greatest period of success in the history of Michigan football.

1926: Yost steps aside

In 1926, Yost stepped aside to focus on being Michigan's athletic director, ending his greatest period of success. Also, in 1926, Michigan was retroactively awarded national titles for the 1901 and 1902 seasons via the Houlgate System.

1926: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1927: Largest Halftime Deficit at Home

In 2020, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and suffered its largest halftime deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 (28–0).

1927: Michigan Stadium Dedicated

Michigan Stadium was dedicated in 1927 during a game against Ohio State Buckeyes, drawing an over-capacity crowd of 84,401.

1927: Michigan Stadium opens and is dedicated

Michigan began playing football games in Michigan Stadium in the fall of 1927. Michigan Stadium was formally dedicated during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes that season to the tune of a 21–0 victory.

1928: Michigan has a losing record

In 1928, Michigan ended the year with a losing 3–4–1 record and Tad Wieman was fired.

1929: Harry Kipke takes over as head coach

In 1929, Harry Kipke took over as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

1930: Kipke returns Michigan to prominence

From 1930 to 1933, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence.

1932: Harry Newman wins awards

In 1932, Harry Newman was a unanimous first-team All-American, and the recipient of multiple awards.

1932: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1933: Kipke returns Michigan to prominence

From 1930 to 1933, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence. After 1933, however, Kipke's teams compiled a 12–22 record from 1934 to 1937.

1933: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1934: Gerald Ford voted most valuable player

In 1934, Gerald Ford started at center and was voted most valuable player by his teammates.

1934: Michigan concedes to Georgia Tech's racist demands

The 1934 Michigan team only won one game, against Georgia Tech in a controversial contest where Michigan conceded to Georgia Tech coach W. A. "Bill" Alexander's racist demands to keep Willis Ward off the field.

1935: Largest Home Loss

In 2020, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and suffered its largest home loss (49–11) since 1935.

1936: Inception of the AP poll

Since the Associated Press (AP) poll's inception in 1936, Michigan has finished in the top ten a total of 39 times.

1937: Kipke's teams struggle

From 1934 to 1937, Kipke's teams compiled a 12–22 record.

1938: Start of successful seasons under Crisler

Beginning in 1938, Crisler led Michigan to a period of success, marked by one and two-loss seasons. This period from 1938 to 1944 resulted in a 48–11–2 record.

1938: Fritz Crisler becomes Michigan's head coach

In 1938, Fritz Crisler brought his winged helmet from Princeton University and became Michigan's head coach.

1938: Winged helmet debut

In 1938, Michigan debuted the winged helmet in a game against Michigan State. The helmet was introduced by Crisler, ostensibly to help his players find receivers downfield.

1938: Michigan hires Fritz Crisler

In 1938, Michigan hired Fritz Crisler as Kipke's successor, granting him the position of athletic director and the highest salary in college football.

1938: Consecutive NFL Drafts

Starting in 1938, Michigan had at least one player selected in any round in an NCAA record 87 consecutive NFL drafts.

1940: Tom Harmon wins Heisman Trophy

In 1940, Tom Harmon led the Wolverines to a 7–1 record and won the Heisman Trophy. Harmon ended the season by scoring three rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, four extra points, intercepting three passes, and punting three times for an average of 50 yards in a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

1941: NCAA rule allowed players to enter or leave at any point during the game

In 1941, an NCAA rule change allowed players to enter or leave a game at any point. This rule was later taken advantage of by Crisler in 1945.

1942: Michigan plays Notre Dame again

In 1909, Michigan suffered its first loss to Notre Dame, leading Yost to refuse to schedule another game against Notre Dame; the schools did not play again until 1942.

1943: No. 1 (Notre Dame) vs. No. 2 (Michigan) match-up

In 1943, the No. 1 Notre Dame team faced off against No. 2 Michigan, a game the Wolverines lost 35–12. Michigan ended the season at 8–1, winning Crisler's first Big Ten championship.

1944: Successful Seasons Under Crisler

From 1938 to 1944, Michigan had a 48-11-2 record under Crisler.

1945: Big Ten Bowl Restriction

From 1921 to 1945, the Big Ten Conference prohibited its teams from participating in bowl games.

1945: Crisler uses two-platoon football

In 1945, Crisler utilized a 1941 NCAA rule to introduce "two-platoon football" during a game against Army, dividing his team into offensive and defensive specialists. Although Michigan lost the game 28–7, this strategy shaped the future of the game.

1946: Big Ten Bowl Restriction Change

From 1946 to 1974, only the conference champion or a surrogate representative could attend a bowl game, the Rose Bowl, with restrictions on consecutive appearances.

1947: Michigan wins conference and national title

In 1947, Crisler's team, nicknamed the "Mad Magicians" because of their use of two-platoon football, won a conference championship and a national title.

1947: Michigan wins national title and Rose Bowl

In 1947, Fritz Crisler led the Wolverines to a national title and Michigan's second Rose Bowl win.

1947: Finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three

In 2022, This marked the first time since 1947 and 1948 that Michigan finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three.

1947: National Championship

Michigan claims one of the championships.

1948: Bennie Oosterbaan First Year

In 1948 Bennie Oosterbaan defeated Michigan State in his first year as Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

1948: Oosterbaan starts as coach and wins national championship

In 1948, Bennie Oosterbaan took over the football program. Michigan finished the season undefeated at 9–0, thus winning another national championship.

1948: Michigan claims a national championship

In 1948, Michigan claimed one of its twelve national championships from the major wire-service: the AP Trophy and/or Coaches' Trophy.

1948: Michigan wins undisputed national championship

In 1948, the 2023 Michigan Wolverines won the program's first undisputed national championship since 1948.

1948: Last National Championship

In 1997, Michigan won its first national championship since 1948.

1948: Finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three

In 2022, This marked the first time since 1947 and 1948 that Michigan finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three.

1948: Michigan wins 1948 Rose Bowl

The 1947 team, nicknamed the "Mad Magicians", capped their season with a 49-0 victory over the USC Trojans in the 1948 Rose Bowl.

1949: Michigan Stadium Expanded

In 1949, Michigan Stadium expanded to a capacity of 93,894.

1950: "Snow Bowl" victory and Big Ten conference win

The 1950 season ended with Michigan defeating Ohio State 9–3 in a game known as the "Snow Bowl," winning the Big Ten conference and sending the Wolverines to the 1951 Rose Bowl.

1951: Decline of Michigan's football team

From 1951 to 1958, Michigan compiled a record of 42–26–2 under Oosterbaan, a decline from previous success.

1951: Oosterbaan selected for All-Time All-American team

In 1951, Bennie Oosterbaan was selected for the All-Time All-American team.

1953: Michigan State Joins Big Ten, Paul Bunyan Trophy Created

Since Michigan State joined the Big Ten Conference in 1953, the two schools have competed annually for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

1955: Michigan Stadium Expansion

In 1955, Michigan Stadium cracked the 100,000 mark by expanding to 101,001.

1958: Oosterbaan steps down

Under mounting pressure, Oosterbaan stepped down as football coach after the 1958 season.

1959: Michigan Most Valuable Player Award End

Ending in 1959, Michigan awarded the Michigan Most Valuable Player Award.

1959: Bump Elliott becomes head coach

In 1959, Bump Elliott, a former Michigan player, took over as head coach.

1960: Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award Began

Beginning in 1960, Michigan awarded the Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award.

1961: Big Ten Bowl Exception

In 1961, Minnesota had an exception made to the rule preventing teams from going to a bowl game two years in a row.

1962: Big Ten Bowl Exception

In 1962, Minnesota had an exception made to the rule preventing teams from going to a bowl game two years in a row.

1964: Michigan wins Big Ten title

In 1964, Michigan won its only Big Ten title under Elliott, a season that included a win over Oregon State in the 1965 Rose Bowl.

1964: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1965: Michigan wins against Oregon State in the Rose Bowl

In 1965, Michigan won against Oregon State in the Rose Bowl.

1967: First losing campaign since 1967

In 2008, Michigan finished at 3–9, suffering its first losing campaign since 1967, and missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

1968: Elliott resigns after loss to Ohio State

Following a 50-14 loss to Ohio State in 1968, Bump Elliott resigned as head coach.

1969: Bo Schembechler coaches Michigan

In 1969, Bo Schembechler began his tenure coaching the team for 21 seasons.

1969: Michigan upsets Ohio State, launching The Ten Year War

In 1969, Michigan, coached by Bo Schembechler, upset the Ohio State Buckeyes, launching The Ten Year War between Hayes and Schembechler. Michigan won 24-12 and went to the Rose Bowl.

1970: Michigan loses to Ohio State

In 1970, Schembechler failed to repeat the success of 1969, losing to Ohio State 20–9 and finishing at 9–1.

1971: Michigan loses to Stanford in the Rose Bowl

In 1971, Schembechler led Michigan to an undefeated regular season, only to lose to the Stanford Indians in the Rose Bowl, finishing at 11–1.

1972: Start of Michigan's losing streak against Ohio State

From 1972 to 1975, Michigan failed to win a game against Ohio State, which was powered by running back Archie Griffin.

1972: Big Ten Bowl Exception

In the 1972 Rose Bowl, an exception was made to the rule preventing teams from going to a bowl game two years in a row.

1973: Controversial Rose Bowl vote

In 1973, Michigan tied Ohio State, but missed out on the Rose Bowl due to a controversial vote that sent Ohio State instead.

1973: Michigan ties against Ohio State

In 1973, Michigan tied against Ohio State. It was the only year in which Michigan didn't lose its last game of the season during the Ten Year War.

1973: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1974: Big Ten Bowl Restriction Change

From 1946 to 1974, only the conference champion or a surrogate representative could attend a bowl game, the Rose Bowl, with restrictions on consecutive appearances.

1974: Missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

In 2008, Michigan finished at 3–9, suffering its first losing campaign since 1967, and missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

1975: Start of attendance record

During the 1975 season, the first of Michigan's record streak of games with more than 100,000 people in attendance occurred during a game against the Purdue Boilermakers.

1975: Missed a bowl game

In 2014, This marked only the third season since 1975 in which Michigan missed a bowl game.

1976: Michigan begins dominance in rivalry

From 1976 to 1978, Michigan asserted its dominance of the rivalry, beating Ohio State, going to the Rose Bowl, and posting a 10–2 record every year.

1976: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1978: Woody Hayes fired, ending The Ten Year War

After the 1978 season, Woody Hayes was fired for punching an opposing player during the 1978 Gator Bowl, ending The Ten Year War. Michigan had a slight edge in the war, with Schembechler going 5–4–1 against Hayes.

1978: End of The Ten Year War

From 1969 to 1978, one of either Ohio State or Michigan won at least a share of the Big Ten title and represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl every season.

1978: Winning Back-to-Back games as underdogs

In 1978, Michigan became the first team since 1978 to win back-to-back games as double digit underdogs

1979: Memorable game against Indiana

The 1979 season included a memorable game against Indiana that ended with a touchdown pass from John Wangler to Anthony Carter with six seconds left in the game. Michigan went 8–4 on the season, losing to North Carolina in the 1979 Gator Bowl.

1980: Michigan wins in the Rose Bowl under Schembechler

In 1980, Michigan went 10–2 and got their first win in the Rose Bowl under Schembechler, a 23–6 win over Washington.

1980: Carr Joins Michigan

Lloyd Carr was an assistant at Michigan since 1980.

1981: Michigan under Schembechler

From 1981 through 1989, Michigan went 80–27–2, winning four Big Ten titles and going to a bowl game every year.

1981: Schembechler's second bowl win

In 1981, Michigan went 9–3 and got Schembechler's second bowl win in the 1981 Bluebonnet Bowl.

1982: Jim Harbaugh plays for Michigan

From 1982 to 1986, Jim Harbaugh played for Michigan under Schembechler.

1982: Michigan wins the Big Ten championship

In 1982, Michigan won the Big Ten championship while being led by three-time All-American wide receiver Anthony Carter.

1983: Michigan fell to UCLA Bruins in the 1983 Rose Bowl

In 1983, Michigan fell to UCLA Bruins in the 1983 Rose Bowl, and did not win the Big Ten title.

1984: Worst season under Schembechler

In 1984, the Wolverines suffered their worst season under Schembechler, going 6–6 with a loss to national champion BYU in the 1984 Holiday Bowl.

1985: Harbaugh leads Michigan to successful season

In 1985, Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 5–0 record and a No. 2 ranking, finishing the season at 10–1–1 with a victory over Nebraska in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl.

1985: National Champions Selection

Michigan selected as national champions by various NCAA-designated major selectors.

1986: Jim Harbaugh plays for Michigan

From 1982 to 1986, Jim Harbaugh played for Michigan under Schembechler.

1986: Michigan wins Big Ten, loses Rose Bowl

In 1986, Michigan won the Big Ten at 11–2, suffering a loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 1987 Rose Bowl.

1987: Michigan has difficult season after Harbaugh's departure

In 1987, after the departure of Harbaugh, Michigan had a difficult season, finishing with an 8–4 record.

1987: Lost to Indiana

In 2020, Michigan lost to Indiana 38–21. Michigan had beaten Indiana in the previous 24 matchups, not having lost to the Hoosiers since the 1987 season.

1988: Longest Streak Began

In 1988, Michigan began their longest streak of consecutive victories over Ohio State, spanning from 1988 to 1991.

1988: Michigan wins Big Ten title

In 1988, Michigan bounced back, winning the Big Ten title outright at 9–2–1 and securing a trip to the Rose Bowl.

1989: Michigan Wolverines coaching history

From 1900 to 1989, Michigan was led by a series of nine head coaches, each of whom has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame either as a player or as a coach. Also, in 1989 Bo Schembechler ended his 21 season tenure as head coach.

1989: Michigan wins Big Ten title

In 1989, Michigan won the Big Ten title outright at 10–2 and secured a trip to the Rose Bowl.

1990: Moeller takes over as head coach

Gary Moeller took over from Schembechler for the 1990 season, becoming the 16th head coach in Michigan football history. Moeller led Michigan to a 9–3 record, tying for the Big Ten championship but losing out on a Rose Bowl bid to Iowa.

1991: Desmond Howard wins Heisman Trophy

In 1991, Desmond Howard had a memorable season that led him to win the Heisman Trophy.

1991: Longest Streak Ended

In 1991, Michigan ended their longest streak of consecutive victories over Ohio State, spanning from 1988 to 1991.

1992: Michigan wins Rose Bowl

The 1992 team, led by quarterback Elvis Grbac, posted a 9–0–3 record, defeating Washington in the 1993 Rose Bowl.

1993: Michigan-Penn State Series Begins

In 1993, Michigan and Penn State began playing each other when Penn State joined the Big Ten.

1993: Michigan has 8-4 record

In 1993, Moeller led Michigan to an 8-4 record.

1994: Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award End

Ending in 1994, Michigan awarded the Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award.

1994: "The Miracle at Michigan" and Moeller's forced departure

The 1994 season was marked by an early-season loss to Colorado that included a Hail Mary pass. Moeller was forced out after the 1994 season after being caught on tape throwing a punch in a police station.

1995: Bo Schembechler Award Began

Beginning in 1995, Michigan awarded the Bo Schembechler Award.

1995: Hoke Served as an assistant

Brady Hoke had previously been an assistant at Michigan under Lloyd Carr from 1995 to 2002.

1995: Carr named head coach

Lloyd Carr was appointed interim head coach for the 1995 season and then named head coach after an 8-2 start. Michigan finished the season at 9-4.

1996: Michigan Stadium Lost Title

In 1996, Michigan Stadium temporarily lost the title of "largest stadium" to Neyland Stadium of the Tennessee Volunteers.

1996: Michigan-Illinois Consecutive Games Ended

The rivalry between Illinois and Michigan is historic, with the two schools having played 73 consecutive years ending in 1996.

1997: Charles Woodson wins the Heisman Trophy

In 1997, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy.

1997: Carr wins a national championship

In 1997, Lloyd Carr won a national championship.

1998: Woodson wins Heisman Trophy

In 1998, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy and was selected 4th overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.

1998: Michigan Stadium Regained Title

In 1998, Michigan Stadium recaptured the title of "largest stadium" with an expansion to 107,501.

1998: Michigan repeats as Big Ten champions

With Tom Brady as quarterback, Michigan went 10–3 and repeated as Big Ten champions in 1998.

1999: Michigan loses out on conference championship

In 1999, Michigan lost out on the conference championship at 10–2 to the Wisconsin Badgers.

2000: Michigan ties for Big Ten championship

In 2000, Drew Henson led Michigan to a 9–3 record and a tie for the Big Ten championship. Ohio State fired their coach John Cooper and replaced him with Jim Tressel.

2000: Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry Ranked

In 2000, the Michigan-Ohio State game was ranked by ESPN as the greatest North American sports rivalry ever.

2000: First win at Ohio Stadium since 2000

In 2022, Michigan defeated 11-0 No. 2 Ohio State 45–23 in Columbus, marking their first win at Ohio Stadium since 2000 and the first time Harbaugh and Michigan beat both Michigan State and Ohio State in the same season.

2001: Tressel upsets Michigan

In 2001, Jim Tressel upset the Wolverines 26–20. Michigan State defeated Michigan with a pass in the last second of the game in a controversial finish that led to the game being referred to as "Clockgate."

2002: Hoke Served as an assistant

Brady Hoke had previously been an assistant at Michigan under Lloyd Carr from 1995 to 2002.

2002: Michigan compiles 10-3 record

In 2002, Michigan compiled a 10–3 record, but included another loss to Ohio State, who went on to win the national championship.

2003: Michigan wins Big Ten championship

In 2003, John Navarre and Doak Walker Award winner Chris Perry led the Wolverines to a 10–3 record, a Big Ten championship, and an appearance in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

2003: First Big Ten Championship since 2003

In 2021, The No. 2 ranked Wolverines dominated the Hawkeyes 42–3 to win their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003.

2004: Henne leads the Wolverines

For the 2004 season, Carr turned to recruit Chad Henne to lead the Wolverines at quarterback. Michigan went 9–3 in 2004 to tie for another Big Ten championship and earn a trip to the 2005 Rose Bowl, but the season again included a loss to Ohio State.

2004: Michigan appears in Rose Bowl

In 2003, Michigan appeared in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

2005: Michigan appears in Rose Bowl

In 2004, Michigan earned a trip to the 2005 Rose Bowl, but the season again included a loss to Ohio State.

2005: Struggled to make a bowl game

In 2005, Michigan struggled to make a bowl game, going 7-5, ending the season with a loss to Ohio State.

2006: Beat Notre Dame, lost to Ohio State

In 2006, Michigan had an 11-0 start, propelled by a 47-21 win over Notre Dame. On the day before the Ohio State game, Bo Schembechler died. Michigan lost to Ohio State 42-39, then lost to USC in the 2007 Rose Bowl.

2007: Defeated Michigan State for the first time since 2007

After back-to-back wins over Purdue and Illinois, they defeated in-state rival Michigan State for the first time since 2007.

2007: Lost to Appalachian State and Ohio State, Lloyd Carr announced retirement

In 2007, Michigan lost to Appalachian State and Oregon early in the season, but won their next eight games. Michigan lost to Ohio State 14-3. After the game, Lloyd Carr announced that he would retire as Michigan head coach after the bowl game.

2007: Michigan Stadium Renovation Authorized

In 2007, the Board of Regents authorized a $226 million renovation to add a new press box, 83 luxury boxes, and 3,200 club seats to Michigan Stadium.

2007: First bowl win since the season of 2007

In his first season, Hoke led the Wolverines to 11 wins, beating rival Notre Dame. This was the program's first bowl win since the season of 2007.

2007: Lost to USC in the Rose Bowl

Michigan lost to USC in the 2007 Rose Bowl, ending the season at 11–2.

2008: Finished season at 3-9

In 2008, Michigan finished at 3–9, suffering its first losing campaign since 1967, and missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

2008: Bowl Game Miss

In 2008, Michigan missed a bowl game, ending a 33-year streak of consecutive bowl game appearances.

2008: Defeated Florida in Capital One Bowl

In the 2008 Capital One Bowl, Lloyd Carr's final game, Michigan defeated the defending national champion Florida Gators, led by Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, 41–35.

2009: Illinois Previous Win

The last time Illinois won versus Michigan before 2024 was in 2009.

2009: Accusations of violating NCAA practice time limits.

The week before the 2009 season began, the Detroit Free Press accused the team of violating the NCAA's practice time limits. Michigan went 1-7 in its last eight games and missed a bowl for the second straight season.

January 11, 2011: Hiring of Brady Hoke

On January 11, 2011, Michigan announced the hiring of Brady Hoke as the new head coach.

2011: Lights Installed at Michigan Stadium

For the 2011 season, lights were installed at Michigan Stadium at the cost of $1.8 million, allowing Michigan to play its first night game at home against Notre Dame in 2011.

2011: Michigan Football Legends Program Begins

In 2011, previously retired numbers of "Michigan Football Legends" were assigned to and worn by players selected by the head coach.

2011: Won against the Buckeyes

In 2021, Michigan beat Ohio State 42–27, giving the Wolverines their first win against the Buckeyes since 2011, and a berth into their first-ever Big Ten Championship Game.

2013: Finished with a 7-6 record

In the 2013 campaign, Michigan finished with a 7–6 record, including a 3–5 record in Big Ten play and a loss to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 31–14.

December 2, 2014: Firing of Brady Hoke

On December 2, 2014, Brady Hoke was fired as the head coach after four seasons following a 5–7 record in 2014.

December 30, 2014: Michigan hires Jim Harbaugh

On December 30, 2014, Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach.

2014: Regents Field Funding Adjusted for Inflation

In 1890, the Board of Regents authorized $3,000 for the purchase of land. In 1891 a further $4,500 was authorized for the athletic field. The $3,000 converts to $78,947.37 in 2014 dollars, and the $4,500 converts to $118,421.05 in 2014 dollars.

July 2015: Michigan Football Legends Program Discontinued

In July 2015, the Legends program was discontinued, and the numbers again permanently retired.

2015: Michigan Possesses Little Brown Jug

As of 2015, Michigan has possessed the Little Brown Jug trophy.

2015: Hiring of Jim Harbaugh

On December 30, 2014, the University of Michigan announced the hiring of Jim Harbaugh as the team's 20th head coach. In his first season in 2015, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 10–3 record.

2016: Lost to Florida State in the Orange Bowl

In 2016, the Wolverines won their first nine games, but lost to Iowa and Ohio State, and ended the season with a 33–32 loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl on December 30. Jabrill Peppers finished fifth for the Heisman Trophy.

2016: Won against Florida Gators in the Citrus Bowl

In his first season in 2015, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 10–3 record, including a 41–7 win over the Florida Gators in the 2016 Citrus Bowl.

2017: Finished the regular season with 8-4 record

In 2017, the Wolverines went 8–4 in the regular season losing to their main rivals, Michigan State and Ohio State. They also lost to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, finishing the year 8–5.

2018: Finished the regular season with 8-4 record

In 2017, the Wolverines went 8–4 in the regular season losing to their main rivals, Michigan State and Ohio State. They also lost to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, finishing the year 8–5.

2018: Lost to Florida in Peach Bowl

In 2018, Michigan started with a loss to Notre Dame, followed by ten consecutive wins. The Wolverines rose to No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but were upset by rival Ohio State by a score of 62–39 to end the regular season. A blowout loss to Florida in the Peach Bowl ended the season, finishing at 10–3.

2018: Sherrone Moore joins Harbaugh's coaching staff

Since 2018, Sherrone Moore had been on Jim Harbaugh's coaching staff.

2019: Lost to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl

During Harbaugh's fifth season in 2019, Michigan went on to beat rivals Notre Dame and Michigan State, but lost to Ohio State to end the regular season. Michigan later lost to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, ending the season with a record of 9–4.

2019: Michigan Defeats Notre Dame

In 2019, Michigan defeated Notre Dame 45-14. Michigan leads the overall series 25-17-1.

2020: Winless at home

For the 2020 season, COVID-19 precautions delayed the start of Big Ten play. Michigan was winless at home during the 2020 season, marking the first time in program history that they did not win any games at home.

January 8, 2021: Harbaugh contract extension

On January 8, 2021, the Michigan administration and Jim Harbaugh agreed to a contract extension with a pay-cut through 2025.

2021: Michigan Inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

As of 2021, Michigan has inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2021: Harbaugh leads Wolverines to Big Ten titles and Playoff appearances

From 2021 to 2023, Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to three consecutive Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances.

2021: George Jewett Trophy Created

In 2021, Michigan and Northwestern announced the creation of the George Jewett Trophy, awarded to the game's winner.

2021: Won Big Ten Championship

In 2021, Michigan beat Ohio State 42–27, giving the Wolverines their first win against the Buckeyes since 2011, and a berth into their first-ever Big Ten Championship Game. The No. 2 ranked Wolverines dominated the Hawkeyes 42–3 to win their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003.

2022: Wolverines Possess Paul Bunyan Trophy

As of 2022, the Wolverines have possessed the Paul Bunyan Trophy

2022: Second Straight Big Ten East Division Championship

In 2022, Michigan began the season ranked No. 8. Michigan's perfect 12–0 regular season record earned them their second straight Big Ten East Division championship and an appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game. Michigan would defeat the West Division champions Purdue 43–22, and repeat as conference champions and earn a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.

2023: Harbaugh leads Wolverines to Big Ten titles and Playoff appearances

From 2021 to 2023, Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to three consecutive Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances. Also, in 2023 the Michigan Wolverines won the program's first national championship since 1997.

2023: Michigan claims a national championship

In 2023, Michigan claimed one of its twelve national championships from the major wire-service: the AP Trophy and/or Coaches' Trophy.

2023: Michigan Defeats Penn State

In 2023, Michigan defeated Penn State 24-15 in Beaver Stadium under then-acting head coach Sherrone Moore, propelling the Wolverines to a national championship that season.

2023: Harbaugh Suspended, Sign-Stealing Allegations, Championship Win

In 2023, the season began with Harbaugh's three-game suspension for recruiting violations. The NCAA investigated Michigan for sign-stealing allegations. Linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired, and Harbaugh was suspended for the final three regular-season games. Sherrone Moore became acting head coach, leading the team to victories. After his suspension, Harbaugh coached Michigan to a Big Ten Championship win against Iowa and secured a playoff berth. Michigan defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship, setting a program record with 15 wins.

2023: Michigan Stadium Renovation

Michigan Stadium underwent a renovation for the 2023–2024 season, installing new screens and LED stadium lighting with color-changing fixtures.

2023: National Championship

Michigan selected as national champions by NCAA major wire-service.

January 26, 2024: Moore promoted to head coach

On January 26, 2024, Sherrone Moore was promoted to head coach, two days after Harbaugh's departure.

May 15, 2024: Schedules Announced

Announced schedules as of May 15, 2024.

2024: Michigan Inductees in College Football Hall of Fame

As of 2024, Michigan has inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2024: Illinois Defeats Michigan

In 2024, Illinois defeated Michigan 21-7 in Champaign, for Illinois' first win versus Michigan since 2009.

2024: Michigan-Minnesota Game

In 2024, Michigan and Minnesota last played, continuing Michigan's lead in the overall series at 78-25-3.

2024: Sherrone Moore's First Season

In 2024, Sherrone Moore led the Michigan Wolverines to an 8-5 record, including wins over Michigan State, Ohio State, and Alabama. In the regular season finale against the No. 2 ranked Buckeyes, Moore led Michigan to a 13–10 upset victory at Ohio Stadium, despite entering as 20.5 point underdogs, marking the fourth consecutive victory for Michigan. On December 31, 2024, Moore won his first postseason game in the ReliaQuest Bowl against No. 11 Alabama. Michigan became the only program in college football history to beat Alabama twice in the same calendar year.