Few college football programs can match the excellence of the Michigan Wolverines. With nearly 1,000 all-time wins, multiple national championships, and dozens of conference titles, Michigan's success has been shaped by legendary head coaches across more than a century.

From Fielding Yost's early dominance to Jim Harbaugh, each coach has left his mark. Here's a look at the 10 winningest head coaches in Michigan Football History, ranked by victories.

10. Brady Hoke (31 wins)

Brady Hoke coached from 2011 to 2014. In four years, he had a 31-20 record. He won a Sugar Bowl in his first season after an 11-2 season. Though his career had a disappointing end, he is among the school's top 10 in career wins.

9. Gary Moeller (44 wins)

Moeller recorded a 44-13-3 record from 1990 to 1994. Under his coaching, the team won three Big Ten titles during his five seasons. He also led Michigan to four bowl victories, including the 1993 Rose Bowl.

8. Harry Kipke (46 wins)

Kipke finished with 46 victories, coaching from 1929 to 1937. He helped Michigan to four Big Ten Championships from 1930 to 1933. His 1932 and 1933 teams claimed national championships, as per Sports Reference.

7. Bump Elliott (51 wins)

Elliott recorded a 51-42-2 mark from 1959 to 1968. He won the 1964 Big Ten title and Rose Bowl. His guidance helped cross Michigan into the Bo Schembechler era. Yet he carried a regret.

"I just wish we'd won more games so those players would be better known," Bump said in a phone interview from his home in Iowa City.

If today's bowl eligibility rules had been in place, Elliott's 1961, 1966, and 1968 Michigan teams would all have earned postseason berths with six or more wins.

6. Bennie Oosterbaan (63 wins)

Oosterbaan won 63 games over 11 seasons. His first team in 1948 claimed the national championship. He also led Michigan to a Rose Bowl win.

5. Fritz Crisler (71 wins)

Crisler recorded a 71-16-3 record from 1938-47. He won two Big Ten titles and the 1947 national championship. Michigan Stadium's famous "Crisler" legacy goes beyond football.

4. Jim Harbaugh (86 wins)

Harbaugh brought back Michigan to its actual form from 2015 to 2023 with an 86-25 record. He won three straight Big Ten titles and the 2023 national championship. His tenure ended after giving Michigan its first CFP-era title.

3. Lloyd Carr (122 wins)

Carr made a 122-40 record in 13 seasons at Michigan, guiding them to the 1997 national championship. His teams also won five Big Ten championships and six bowl wins.

2. Fielding Yost (165 wins)

Yost revolutionized the college football program with a 165-29-10 record. His famed "Point-a-Minute" teams dominated the early 1900s. He won six national championships and many conference crowns.

1. Bo Schemnechler (194 wins)

Schembechler is Michigan's all-time winningest coach with 194 victories. From 1969 to 1989, he won Big Ten championships in 21 seasons. Though a national title eluded him, his culture transformed Michigan into a consistent contender.

While eras have changed, each coach contributed to Michigan's legacy. Their achievements continue to set standards.

Who among them is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar