The state of Michigan just added a fresh twist to one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
Michigan State has officially named Pat Fitzgerald its next head coach, while Michigan is expected to bring in longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines. That sets the stage for an intriguing new chapter in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy - one that features two veteran coaches with history already between them.
Fitzgerald and Whittingham aren’t strangers to one another. Their paths crossed back in the 2018 Holiday Bowl, when Fitzgerald’s Northwestern squad pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Whittingham’s Utah team.
Down 17 at halftime, the Wildcats stormed back in the second half to claim the win. It was a game that showcased Fitzgerald’s ability to rally a team - and that edge might come in handy in East Lansing.
Now, with both coaches taking over the reins of their respective Big Ten programs, that 2018 bowl clash becomes more than just a footnote. It’s the only head-to-head meeting between the two so far, but it won’t be the last. And while that game won’t define what’s to come, it does add a little extra spice to an already heated rivalry.
Fitzgerald, known for his defensive acumen and tough, disciplined teams, will be tasked with rebuilding a Michigan State program searching for consistency and identity. Meanwhile, Whittingham brings nearly two decades of experience at Utah, where he built a reputation for physical football and player development. His hiring signals Michigan’s desire to maintain its recent national relevance, even as it transitions into a new era.
Both coaches bring credibility and a winning pedigree - and both are walking into pressure cookers. Michigan State hasn’t beaten the Wolverines since Kenneth Walker III’s legendary performance in 2021, and the Spartans are hungry for a turnaround. Michigan, fresh off a dominant run under Jim Harbaugh, will expect Whittingham to keep the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff conversation from day one.
The official date for the next Michigan vs. Michigan State showdown hasn’t been announced yet, but you can bet it’s already circled on calendars across the state. With Fitzgerald and Whittingham now at the helm, the rivalry gets a fresh coat of paint - and potentially, a new era of chess-match coaching battles.
One thing’s for sure: the Paul Bunyan Trophy just got a lot more interesting.