After a whirlwind few weeks in Ann Arbor, Michigan football has hit the reset button-and they didn’t just tap it, they slammed it with intent. The Wolverines have hired Kyle Whittingham as their 22nd head coach, bringing in one of the most respected and consistent leaders in college football.
Now, let’s be clear: Whittingham may not have been the flashy, headline-grabbing name some fans were dreaming of. But when you look past the star power and focus on substance, this hire makes a whole lot of sense.
Whittingham is a proven winner. He’s got conference titles, an undefeated season, and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams that punch above their weight.
At Utah, he made a habit of doing more with less. The real intrigue now?
Seeing what he can do with more.
Michigan offers resources, recruiting power, and a national brand that Utah simply doesn’t. That’s not a knock on the Utes-Whittingham maximized that program in ways few thought possible.
But in Ann Arbor, the ceiling is higher, and the expectations are sky-high. The question now shifts from “Can he win?”
to “How fast can he build this thing into a contender?”
And that building process starts with one name: Bryce Underwood.
The five-star quarterback-who started all 12 games as a true freshman-is the centerpiece of Michigan’s future. Whether Whittingham’s tenure gets off the ground quickly or hits turbulence early could hinge on whether Underwood sticks around. He’s not just the most talented player on the roster-he’s the kind of quarterback who can make a good team great.
So far, the signs are encouraging. Underwood was with the team in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl, a quiet but meaningful signal that he’s still invested.
Then came his reaction to the Whittingham hire-he posted the announcement on his Instagram account, a move that doesn’t scream skepticism. If anything, it suggests he’s on board, or at least open-minded about the future under new leadership.
That’s a big win for Michigan, even if it’s just the first step.
Another name to keep an eye on is Jason Beck. He’s emerging as a strong candidate for the offensive coordinator role, and his résumé is impressive.
Beck’s offense ranked fifth in the nation in scoring, and his system produced 25 touchdown passes last season. Pair that kind of scheme with a talent like Underwood, and you’ve got the makings of a dynamic attack.
Of course, none of this is set in stone. Whittingham still has to finalize his staff, hit the recruiting trail, and start shaping the roster in his image. But if he can keep Underwood in maize and blue-and build an offense around him with someone like Beck calling plays-Michigan could reload faster than anyone expected.
This hire isn’t about making a splash. It’s about building a foundation that lasts. And if Whittingham’s track record is any indication, the Wolverines just gave themselves a real shot at sustained success.