Michigan Football Loses OC Chip Lindsey to Missouri

Wolverines name interim OC as they search for new head coach

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field with overlapping planes of dark blue, maize yellow, and crimson red, conveying the disarray and uncertainty surrounding Michigan's football program.Michigan's coaching shakeup exposes the fragmented state of the Wolverines' football program as it faces an uncertain future.Syracuse Today

In a surprise move, Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey is leaving the program to take the same role at SEC rival Missouri. This comes on the heels of recent turmoil at Michigan, including the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore. Tight ends coach Steve Casula will serve as the interim OC for the Citrus Bowl against Texas.

Why it matters

Lindsey's departure raises questions about the direction of Michigan's program, especially with rumors that Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz could be a candidate for the Wolverines' head coaching job. The upheaval comes as Michigan looks to stabilize its coaching staff and rebuild momentum heading into the offseason.

The details

Lindsey's single season in Ann Arbor was marked by attempts to modernize the offense around freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, with mixed results. Before Michigan, he had stints at North Carolina, Troy, Auburn, Southern Miss, Arizona State, and UCF. Offensive line assistant Juan Castillo also recently left for a job at Syracuse.

  • Chip Lindsey announced his departure for Missouri on April 10, 2026.
  • Steve Casula will serve as interim OC for the Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2026.

The players

Chip Lindsey

Former Michigan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach who is leaving for the same role at Missouri.

Steve Casula

Michigan tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator who will serve as interim OC for the Citrus Bowl.

Bryce Underwood

Michigan's freshman quarterback who Lindsey was tasked with developing.

Eli Drinkwitz

Missouri head coach who has been rumored as a potential candidate for the Michigan head coaching job.

Juan Castillo

Former Michigan offensive line assistant who left for a job at Syracuse.

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What’s next

Reports suggest Michigan aims to have a new head coach in place by January 2, when the transfer portal opens.

The takeaway

Lindsey's departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding Michigan's football program, as the Wolverines search for stability and a new direction heading into the offseason. The upheaval raises questions about the team's future and the potential impact on recruiting and player development.