History of Michigan Wolverines football in Timeline

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Michigan Wolverines football

The Michigan Wolverines football team, representing the University of Michigan, boasts the most all-time wins in college football history. Known for its iconic winged helmet and high attendance at Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines are defined by intense rivalries. The most prominent is "The Game," their annual season-ending clash against Ohio State, a matchup considered one of sports' greatest rivalries.

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1900: Yost Offered Coaching Position

After the 1900 season, Charles A. Baird offered Fielding H. Yost the position of head coach at Michigan.

1900: Michigan Coaching Era

From 1900, Michigan was led by a series of nine head coaches who were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

1900: Unsatisfactory Results

In 1900, Michigan went 7–2–1, a result considered unsatisfactory relative to the 10–0 season of 1898.

1901: Michigan Participated in Inaugural Rose Bowl

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

1901: Michigan didn't lose a single game

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

1901: Fielding H. Yost Became 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 Titles Awarded Retroactively

In 1926, Michigan was retroactively awarded national titles for the 1901 season via the Houlgate System.

1902: Michigan Outscores Opponents

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

1902: Rose Bowl victory

In 1902, Michigan won the Rose Bowl, the first college football bowl game ever played.

1902: National Titles Awarded Retroactively

In 1926, Michigan was retroactively awarded national titles for the 1902 season via the Houlgate System.

1903: Rivalry 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. Michigan finished the season at 11–0–1.

1903: National Titles Awarded Retroactively

Other major selectors (such as the National Championship Foundation and Jeff Sagarin) later retroactively awarded Michigan with titles in the 1903 season.

1904: Undefeated Season

In 1904, Michigan went undefeated at 10-0 and recorded a 130-0 defeat of the West Virginia Mountaineers.

1904: National Titles Awarded Retroactively

Other major selectors (such as the National Championship Foundation and Jeff Sagarin) later retroactively awarded Michigan with titles in the 1904 season.

1904: Michigan didn't lose a single game

Until 1904, Michigan didn't lose a single game.

1905: End of Unbeaten Streak

At the end of the 1905 season, Michigan's unbeaten streak was halted by Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons.

1905: Chicago Ended Michigan's Winning Streak

In 1905, Chicago ended Michigan's winning streak.

1906: Big 9 Title Tie

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

1907: Hiatus from Big Ten Conference

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

1907: Michigan Suffered Loss

In 1907, Michigan suffered one loss during its independent year.

1908: Michigan Battered by Penn

In 1908, Michigan got battered by Penn, during which Germany Schulz was severely injured.

1909: 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: Undefeated Season

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

1916: Return to Big Ten Conference

In 1916, Michigan rejoined the Big Ten Conference after a period of absence.

1916: Independent Years

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

1917: Michigan Rejoined Big Ten

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

1918: Michigan Defeats Chicago

In 1918, Michigan played the first game against Stagg's Chicago Maroons since Chicago ended Michigan's winning streak in 1905. Michigan defeated the Maroons, 18–0, on the way to a 5–0 record.

1919: Lean Year

In 1919, Michigan went 3-4.

1920: Lean Year

In 1920, Michigan went 5-2.

1921: Lean Year

In 1921, Michigan went 5-1-1.

1921: Yost Held Athletic Director Post

Since 1921, Yost held the athletic director post.

1922: Spoiled Dedication Day for Ohio Stadium

In 1922, Michigan spoiled the "Dedication Day" for Ohio Stadium, defeating the Buckeyes 19–0. Michigan went 5–0–1 in 1922, capturing a Big Ten title.

1923: Conference Championship

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

1924: End of Unbeaten Streak

In 1924, the Wolverines' 20-game unbeaten streak ended at the hands of Red Grange.

1925: Benny-to-Bennie Combination

In 1925, the Benny-to-Bennie combination of Benny Friedman and Bennie Oosterbaan contributed to Michigan's memorable season.

1926: National Titles Awarded Retroactively

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

1926: Yost Steps Aside

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.

1927: Largest Halftime Deficit at Home Since Michigan Stadium Opened in 1927

In 2020, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and suffered its largest halftime deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 (28–0), as well as its largest home loss (49–11) since 1935.

1927: Michigan Stadium Opens

Michigan began playing football games in Michigan Stadium in the fall of 1927. Tad Wieman became Michigan's head coach in 1927. That year, Michigan posted a modest 6–2 record.

1928: Losing Record and Wieman Fired

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

1929: Harry Kipke Takes Over as Head Coach

In 1929, Harry Kipke, a former player under Yost, took over as head coach.

1930: Michigan Returned to Prominence

From 1930, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence.

1932: Michigan Returned to Prominence

In 1932, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence. In 1932, Harry Newman was a unanimous first-team All-American, and the recipient of the Douglas Fairbanks Trophy as Outstanding College Player of the Year (predecessor of the Heisman Trophy), and the Helms Athletic Foundation Player of the Year Award, the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten Conference.

1933: National Championship

Until 1933, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence. In 1932 and 1933, Michigan won the national championship.

1934: Gerald Ford's MVP Award

In 1934, Gerald Ford was voted most valuable player by his teammates on the team.

1934: Controversial Game Against Georgia Tech

In 1934, the Michigan team only won one game, against Georgia Tech in a controversial contest due to the refusal to allow Willis Ward, an African-American player for Michigan, to step on the field.

1935: Largest Home Loss Since 1935

In 2020, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and suffered its largest halftime deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 (28–0), as well as its largest home loss (49–11) since 1935.

1936: AP poll inception

Since the inception of the AP poll in 1936, Michigan has finished in the top ten a total of 39 times.

1937: Kipke's Teams Compiled Record

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

1938: Fritz Crisler arrived from Princeton

In 1938, Fritz Crisler brought his winged helmet from Princeton University to Michigan.

1938: Michigan Debuts Winged Helmet

In 1938, Michigan debuted the winged football helmet in a game against Michigan State. This helmet has become one of the iconic marks of Michigan football.

1938: Fritz Crisler Hired

In 1938, Michigan hired Fritz Crisler as Kipke's successor. Crisler demanded the position of athletic director when Yost stepped down and the highest salary in college football.

1938: Michigan's Record Improved

Starting in 1938, Michigan improved, posting a 48–11–2 record from 1938 to 1944.

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 with 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 change

In 1941, the NCAA changed the rule that allowed players to enter or leave at any point during the game. Crisler took advantage of this rule in 1945.

1942: Schools Played Again

In 1942, Michigan and Notre Dame played again after Yost refused to schedule another game since 1909.

1943: Michigan plays Notre Dame

In 1943, Michigan faced Notre Dame in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 match-up, a game the Wolverines lost 35–12. Michigan ended the 1943 season at 8–1, winning Crisler's first Big Ten championship.

1944: Michigan's Record Improved

From 1938 to 1944, Michigan posted a 48–11–2 record under Crisler.

1945: Crisler introduces two-platoon football

In 1945, Crisler introduced two-platoon football in a game against Army, dividing his team into "offensive" and "defensive" specialists due to NCAA rules from 1941. Though Michigan lost to Army 28-7, this strategy shaped the future of the game and earned him the nickname "the father of two-platoon football."

1947: Michigan wins National Title

In 1947, Crisler's use of the platoon system propelled his team to a conference championship and a national title. The 1947 Michigan team, nicknamed the "Mad Magicians" due to their use of two-platoon football, capped their season with a victory in the 1948 Rose Bowl.

1947: National title and Rose Bowl win

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

1947: First Time Since 1947 That Michigan Finished Consecutive Seasons Ranked in the Top Three

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

1948: Michigan Wins National Championship

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

1948: National Championship

In 1948, Michigan claimed a national championship from the major wire-service: the AP Trophy and/or Coaches' Trophy.

1948: Michigan wins Rose Bowl

In 1948, the "Mad Magicians" capped their 1947 season with a 49–0 victory over the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl.

1948: First Time Since 1948 That Michigan Finished Consecutive Seasons Ranked in the Top Three

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

1950: Michigan Wins "Snow Bowl"

The 1950 season ended with Michigan and Ohio State combining for 45 punts in the "Snow Bowl," which Michigan won 9–3. This victory secured the Big Ten conference title and sent the Wolverines to the 1951 Rose Bowl.

1951: Michigan's Football Team Begins to Decline

From 1951 to 1958, Michigan compiled a record of 42–26–2, a decline from the success under Crisler and Yost.

1951: Oosterbaan Selected for All-Time All-American Team

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

1958: Oosterbaan Steps Down

After facing mounting pressure, Oosterbaan stepped down after the 1958 season.

1959: Bump Elliott Takes Over

In 1959, Bump Elliott stepped in place of Oosterbaan as head coach.

1964: Michigan Wins Big Ten Title

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

1965: Michigan wins against Oregon State

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

1967: First Losing Campaign Since 1967

In 2008, the team finished at 3-9 suffering its first losing campaign since 1967

1968: Elliott Resigns

Following a 50-14 loss to Ohio State in 1968, Elliott resigned.

1969: Bo Schembechler became coach

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

1969: Michigan Shocks Ohio State

In 1969, Michigan, coached by Bo Schembechler, shocked the Buckeyes, winning 24–12 against an Ohio State team that was favored by 17 points and considered one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled. This victory launched The Ten Year War between Hayes and Schembechler and sent Michigan to the Rose Bowl.

1970: Michigan Loses to Ohio State

In 1970, Schembechler's team lost to Ohio State 20–9, finishing the season at 9–1.

1971: Michigan Loses to Stanford in 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: Michigan Fails to Beat Ohio State

From 1972 to 1975, Michigan failed to win a game against Ohio State.

1973: Michigan Ties Ohio State, Misses Rose Bowl

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.

1974: First Missed Bowl Game Since 1974

In 2008, the team missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

1975: Michigan's Attendance Record Begins

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

1975: Only the Third Season Since 1975 in Which Michigan Missed a Bowl Game

On December 2, 2014, Hoke was fired as the head coach after four seasons following a 5–7 record in 2014. This marked only the third season since 1975 in which Michigan missed a bowl game.

1976: Michigan Dominates Ohio State and Heads to Rose Bowl

From 1976 to 1978, Michigan dominated the rivalry with Ohio State, going to the Rose Bowl, and posting a 10–2 record every year.

1978: The Ten Year War Ends

After the 1978 season, Woody Hayes was fired for punching an opposing player during the 1978 Gator Bowl, ending The Ten Year War. During The Ten Year War, Michigan's bowl performances were subpar and failed to win their last game of the season every year.

1979: Michigan defeats 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 Rose Bowl

In 1980, Michigan went 10–2 and achieved their first Rose Bowl win under Schembechler with a 23–6 victory over Washington.

1980: Michigan's assistant since

Lloyd Carr, was an assistant at Michigan since 1980, as interim head coach for the 1995 season.

1981: Michigan wins Bluebonnet Bowl

In 1981, Michigan went 9-3 to get Schembechler's second bowl win in the 1981 Bluebonnet Bowl.

1982: Jim Harbaugh Played for Michigan

From 1982, Jim Harbaugh played quarterback for Michigan under Schembechler.

1982: Michigan Wins Big Ten Championship

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

1983: Michigan Falls to UCLA in Rose Bowl

In 1983, Michigan fell to UCLA Bruins in the 1983 Rose Bowl and did not win the Big Ten title, going 9-3.

1984: Michigan Suffers Worst Season Under Schembechler

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

1985: Michigan Reverses Fortunes with Jim Harbaugh

In 1985, Michigan began to reverse its fortunes with new quarterback Jim Harbaugh, achieving a 5–0 record and a No. 2 ranking before losing to No. 1 Iowa. Michigan finished the 1985 season at 10–1–1 with a victory over Nebraska in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl.

1986: Michigan Wins Big Ten, Loses Rose Bowl

In 1986, Michigan won the Big Ten with an 11–2 record, but lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 1987 Rose Bowl.

1986: Jim Harbaugh Played for Michigan

Until 1986, Jim Harbaugh played quarterback for Michigan under Schembechler.

1987: Michigan Stumbles to 8-4 Record

After Harbaugh's departure in 1986, Michigan stumbled to an 8–4 record in 1987.

1987: Michigan Loses to Indiana for First Time Since 1987

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: Michigan Wins Big Ten Title

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

1989: Michigan Wins Big Ten Title

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

1989: Michigan Coaching Era

Until 1989, Michigan was led by a series of nine head coaches who were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

1990: Gary Moeller Takes Over

In 1990, Gary Moeller took over from Schembechler, becoming the 16th head coach in Michigan football history. Moeller led Michigan to a 9–3 record in his first season, 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 propelled him to win the Heisman Trophy.

1992: Michigan Defeats Washington in Rose Bowl

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

1993: Michigan Records 8-4

In 1993, Moeller led Michigan to 8-4 records.

1994: Moeller Forced Out After Incident

The 1994 season was marked by a loss to Colorado with a Hail Mary pass. Moeller was forced out after the 1994 season when intoxicated at a Southfield, MI restaurant and caught on tape throwing a punch in a police station.

1995: Hoke Served as Assistant Coach

Brady Hoke served as an assistant coach at Michigan under Lloyd Carr from 1995 to 2002.

1995: Lloyd Carr Named Head Coach

Michigan's athletic director appointed Lloyd Carr as interim head coach for the 1995 season. After an 8–2 start, Michigan dropped the interim tag from Carr's title and named him its 17th head coach. Michigan finished his first season at 9–4.

1997: Michigan Wins National Championship

In 1997, Carr returned a strong squad, led by Charles Woodson. Michigan went undefeated, and the defense only allowed 9.5 points per game. Michigan ended the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, giving Michigan its first national championship since 1948.

1997: Charles Woodson Wins Heisman Trophy

In 1997, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy.

1997: National Championship

In 1997, Lloyd Carr won a national championship as head coach of Michigan.

1998: Michigan Wins Rose Bowl

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

1998: Michigan Repeats as Big Ten Champions

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

1999: Michigan Loses Out on Conference Championship

In 1999, Michigan, at 10–2, lost out on the conference championship 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 coach John Cooper and replaced him with Jim Tressel.

2000: Michigan's First Win at Ohio Stadium Since 2000

The Wolverines 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: Ohio State Upsets Michigan

In 2001, Jim Tressel immediately ushered in a new era in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, upsetting the Wolverines 26–20. Earlier that season, Michigan State defeated Michigan with a pass in the last second, leading to the game being referred to as "Clockgate." Michigan's 2001 squad went 8–4 with an appearance in the 2002 Florida Citrus Bowl.

2002: Hoke Served as Assistant Coach

Brady Hoke served as an assistant coach 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, Carr got over the hump against Tressel as 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 Outright Big Ten Championship Since 2003

In the Big Ten Championship Game against Big Ten West champions Iowa, the No. 2 ranked Wolverines dominated the Hawkeyes 42–3 to win their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003.

2004: Michigan Ties for Big Ten Championship

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

2004: Michigan to Rose Bowl

In 2004, John Navarre and Doak Walker Award winner Chris Perry led the Wolverines to an appearance in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

2005: Michigan Struggles to Make a Bowl Game

In 2005, Michigan had a difficult season, finishing with a 7-5 record and losing to Ohio State.

2005: Michigan in Rose Bowl

Michigan earned a trip to the 2005 Rose Bowl during the 2004 season.

2006: Michigan Reaches "Game of the Century" Against Ohio State

In 2006, Michigan started the season strong, achieving an 11-0 record and rising to No. 2 in the rankings. The highly anticipated game against No. 1 Ohio State, dubbed the "Game of the Century," resulted in a 42-39 loss for Michigan. Prior to the game, Bo Schembechler passed away and was honored by Ohio State.

2007: Michigan Defeats 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. The win was the 900th in program history, becoming the first program to reach the milestone.

2007: Michigan Loses to USC in the Rose Bowl

In 2007, Michigan lost to USC in the Rose Bowl, ending the season with an 11-2 record.

2007: Michigan Loses to Appalachian State and Ohio State; Lloyd Carr Announces Retirement

In 2007, despite high expectations, Michigan lost its opening game to Appalachian State, marking the first win by a Division I-AA team over a ranked team. They also lost to Ohio State, and head coach Lloyd Carr announced his retirement.

2007: First Bowl Win Since 2007

In Hoke's first season, the Wolverines received an invitation to the Sugar Bowl in which they defeated Virginia Tech, 23–20, in overtime. This was the program's first bowl win since the season of 2007.

2008: Michigan Defeats Florida in Capital One Bowl; Carr's Final Game

In 2008, Michigan, in Lloyd Carr's final game as head coach, defeated the defending national champion Florida Gators 41-35 in the Capital One Bowl.

2008: Rodriguez Era Begins; Disappointing Season

In 2008, Rich Rodriguez took over as head coach, implementing the spread offense. The team faced significant roster attrition and finished the season with a disappointing 3-9 record, missing a bowl game for the first time since 1974.

2009: NCAA Investigation and Disappointing Season

In 2009, the Detroit Free Press accused the team of violating NCAA practice time limits. The season ended with a 1-7 record in the last eight games and missing a bowl for the second straight season.

January 11, 2011: Michigan Hires Brady Hoke as Head Coach

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

2011: First Win Against Ohio State Since 2011

In a top-five showdown, Michigan used a dominant second half performance to 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: Michigan Finishes Season with Loss in Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl

In 2013, Michigan finished the season with a 7-6 record, including a loss to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

December 2, 2014: Brady Hoke Fired as Head Coach

On December 2, 2014, Brady Hoke was fired as the head coach after four seasons.

December 30, 2014: Jim Harbaugh Hired

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

December 30, 2014: Michigan Hires Jim Harbaugh as Head Coach

On December 30, 2014, the University of Michigan announced the hiring of Jim Harbaugh as the team's 20th head coach.

2015: Harbaugh Leads Michigan to 10 Wins in First Season

In his first season in 2015, Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to a 10-3 record.

2016: Michigan Loses to Florida State in Orange Bowl; Peppers a Heisman Finalist

In 2016, the Wolverines won their first nine games before losing to Iowa and Ohio State. The season concluded with a loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Jabrill Peppers finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

2016: Michigan Wins 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: Michigan Loses to South Carolina in Outback Bowl

In 2017, after losing many key players, the Wolverines finished the regular season 8-4. They lost to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, ending the year 8-5.

2018: Michigan Finishes Year at 8-5

In 2017, becoming the only team in the Big Ten Conference to lose its bowl game in the 2017–2018 bowl season, finishing the year 8–5.

2018: Sherrone Moore Joins Coaching Staff

In 2018, Sherrone Moore joined Jim Harbaugh's coaching staff.

2018: Michigan Loses to Ohio State and Florida; Season Ends at 10-3

In 2018, after a loss to Notre Dame, Michigan won ten consecutive games, fueled by a "revenge tour" mentality. However, they lost to Ohio State and Florida, finishing the season at 10-3.

2019: Michigan Loses to Alabama in Citrus Bowl; Season Ends at 9-4

In 2019, Michigan lost to Wisconsin, Penn State and Ohio State during the regular season, and later lost to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, ending the season with a 9-4 record.

2020: COVID-19 Impacted Season; Winless at Home

In 2020, the season was delayed due to COVID-19. Michigan had a challenging season, including a loss to Indiana for the first time since 1987 and being winless at home. The final three games were canceled due to COVID-19. Michigan did not play in a postseason bowl game for the first time under Harbaugh.

January 8, 2021: Harbaugh Agrees to Contract Extension

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

2021: 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: Michigan Wins Big Ten Championship; Loses in Orange Bowl

In 2021, Michigan won their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003 and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, where they lost to Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Aidan Hutchinson finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up.

2022: Michigan Repeats as Big Ten Champions; Loses in Fiesta Bowl

In 2022, Michigan had a perfect regular season, won their second straight Big Ten Championship, and reached the College Football Playoff. They lost to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. The team set a school record for most wins in a single season (13).

2023: National Championship

In 2023, Michigan claimed a national championship from the major wire-service: the AP Trophy and/or Coaches' Trophy.

January 26, 2024: Sherrone Moore Promoted

On January 26, 2024, Sherrone Moore was promoted to head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

2025: Harbaugh Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2025

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