Aidan Hutchinson Reacts to Michigan's New Hire as Whittingham Takes the Reins
On the fourth anniversary of his final game in a Michigan uniform, Aidan Hutchinson found himself reflecting on the program he once led - this time from a distance.
Now a rising star with the Detroit Lions, Hutchinson is just a short drive from Ann Arbor, but he admits his connection to the Wolverines isn’t what it used to be. That’s not all that surprising - four years removed from college ball, rosters turn over, coaches come and go, and the game keeps moving. Still, when Michigan made headlines with the hiring of longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, Hutchinson was asked for his thoughts.
“I don’t know too much about him,” Hutchinson said, candidly. “He seems like a cool dude from that first interview. Hoping he can go in there and bring some stability and a winning culture.”
That’s the hope across the Michigan fanbase, too. Whittingham steps into a program that’s been through some turbulence in recent weeks.
The Wolverines parted ways with former head coach Sherrone Moore on December 10, following the fallout from an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. In his place comes Whittingham - a seasoned leader who spent more than three decades at Utah, including 21 seasons as head coach.
His 177-88 record speaks to his consistency and ability to build a strong, sustained culture. Now, he’s tasked with doing the same in Ann Arbor.
As Hutchinson met with reporters, his alma mater was in action down in Orlando, taking on Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Wolverines ultimately fell 41-27, closing the book on a season that’s been anything but ordinary.
“I don’t know too many people left there,” Hutchinson admitted. “I’m curious what the new coaches they bring in, who they bring in. I’m curious if I know any of them.”
It’s a natural shift for a player who once lived and breathed Michigan football. Now, he watches from afar, like so many former players do - still invested, but no longer in the thick of it. And like the rest of the Michigan faithful, Hutchinson will be watching closely as Whittingham gets to work reshaping the Wolverines in his image.
There’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding this next chapter for Michigan. A new coach, a new direction, and plenty of questions to answer. But if Whittingham’s track record is any indication, the Wolverines may have found the steady hand they need to guide them forward.