5 QB coaches Michigan football should target to help Bryce Underwood

When Michigan signed No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood in the 2025 recruiting class, plenty of fans expected the Wolverines' passing attack to reach new heights in 2025. While Michigan's passing offense was clearly better with Underwood under center, there were plenty of lackluster performances as well.

As Michigan prepares for the Citrus Bowl against Texas, head coach Sherrone Moore told the media on Monday that the Wolverines are looking at bringing in a dedicated QB coach for Underwood next season.

"That’s something we’re definitely looking at, is bringing in other people to help, bringing in another quarterback coach, and something we’re working diligently on to get worked on," Moore said on Monday.

Which leads to the question of who? Here are a few names that Michigan should target.

Former Michigan QB Devin Gardner

Michigan would have to get Devin Gardner to leave his broadcasting role, but this feels like a homerun hire for Sherrone Moore. Gardner not only played QB for Michigan, but he has NFL experience, and knows the QB position like the back of his hand.

Gardner was a dual-threat QB like Bryce Underwood during his days at Michigan. Using his experience from his playing days in Ann Arbor, his knowledge of the game, and seeing hundreds of different QBs play since he began broadcasting, Gardner could help Underwood hone in his abilities. If Gardner ever had any coaching aspirations, this would be a great way to get his feet wet and work his way up.

Former Michigan QB Chad Henne

Another former Michigan QB, Chad Henne, but this one has some coaching experience. After a 15-year NFL career, Henne went back home to Wilson High School, where he helps coach. He also holds Youth Camps and private camps for quarterbacks.

Wilson went 9-3 this season and scored plenty of points. With having some coaching experience, on top of NFL experience, Henne would be a good fit coming back to Ann Arbor and working with Underwood.

Former Eagles and Jaguars HC Doug Pederson

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson — Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This might feel unrealistic, but with Michigan having an NFL pipeline -- it's not that unrealistic. After having an eight-year head coaching career in the NFL, Doug Pederson was out of the game in 2025. Pederson, who is widely regarded as a QB guru, could get back into the game and work with Bryce Underwood for a season to work his way back up the ladder.

Pederson was known for his Super Bowl run with Nick Foles, Carson Wentz's MVP season, and coaching both Alex Smith and Michael Vick. Pederson could get the Wolverines' QB rolling in 2026 and jump back into the NFL circle.

Tampa Bay QB Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater originally retired from the NFL and began coaching his alma mater, Miami Northwestern (Florida), but suffered a suspension for providing meals and rides to his players. So he opted to get back into the NFL, and now he's playing with the Buccaneers. However, Bridgewater could be on his last ride and he clearly enjoys coaching.

In his lone season with Miami Northwestern, he led them to a 12-2 record and a state title.

He played with the Lions and has some familiarity with Michigan. Bridgewater could come to Ann Arbor to work with Bryce Underwood and learn some play-calling knowledge from Chip Lindsey.

Ravens assistant QB coach Daniel Stern

Ravens Helmet — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

We couldn't have a coaches article and not include a Baltimore Raven. The Ravens have been good to Michigan -- could another Baltimore coach be a good fit? Stern is in his 10th season with the Ravens and his second working behind QB coach Tee Martin.

Stern has familiarity with the Harbaugh family and current Michigan DC Wink Martindale. If Stern wants a lead QB position, coming to Ann Arbor could be the way to go to begin his career. He also advises John Harbaugh on in-game clock/game management and coaches' challenges.

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