In the wake of a whirlwind few years for Michigan football, the Wolverines are turning the page with a new leader at the helm - and the early reviews are glowing. Kyle Whittingham, long-time Utah head coach and now the face of Michigan’s next chapter, is already drawing praise from voices that matter.
One of the latest to speak up? AJ Barner - former Wolverine, current NFL tight end, and soon-to-be Super Bowl participant.
Barner knows a thing or two about winning. Just over two years ago, he was part of Michigan’s undefeated run to a National Championship.
Now, as he prepares for the biggest game of his professional career - Super Bowl LX - he’s taking a moment to weigh in on the Wolverines’ new direction. And he didn’t hold back.
Barner on Whittingham: “He’s a proven winner”
“He’s a proven winner, and I think that he fits the Michigan identity of playing physical,” Barner said this week. “So, I’m excited about it.”
That’s a strong endorsement from a guy who’s been in the trenches - both at the college and pro levels. Barner never played for Whittingham, and he didn’t face him on the field either, but the respect is clearly there. And when a player who’s gearing up for a Super Bowl goes out of his way to praise a college hire, it carries weight.
Whittingham’s résumé backs up the hype. Over 22 seasons at Utah, he piled up a 177-88 record, three conference championships (Mountain West in 2008, Pac-12 in 2021 and 2022), and 11 bowl wins in 17 postseason appearances. That’s consistency, longevity, and success - the trifecta every program dreams of in a head coach.
Barner’s rise: From Ann Arbor to the NFL spotlight
Barner’s connection to Michigan may have been brief - just one season after transferring in 2023 - but it was impactful. He played in 10 games, including the Big Ten Championship, and recorded 249 receiving yards and a touchdown. It was enough to catch the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft.
Since then, he’s carved out a role with the Seattle Seahawks, becoming a key weapon in their offense. Over two seasons, Barner has totaled 764 receiving yards, 14 rushing yards, and 11 touchdowns - production that speaks to his versatility and knack for making plays in big moments. Most recently, he added 13 receiving yards in the NFC Championship win over the Rams, helping punch Seattle’s ticket to the Super Bowl.
A new era in Ann Arbor
Michigan fans have been looking for stability and a sense of identity after a rollercoaster stretch, and Whittingham brings both. He’s known for building tough, disciplined teams - the kind that don’t just compete, but wear you down over four quarters. That’s exactly the kind of DNA that’s long been associated with Michigan football at its best.
Barner’s comments echo what many around the program are starting to feel: that Whittingham isn’t just a safe hire - he’s the right hire. A proven winner with a blueprint that fits the Wolverines’ culture.
And when a former player, now thriving in the NFL, gives that kind of nod of approval, it’s not just lip service. It’s a sign that Michigan might be on the verge of something special again.
Only time will tell how Whittingham’s Michigan chapter unfolds. But if the early buzz is any indication, the Wolverines may have found the perfect coach to lead them into their next era - and they’ve got a Super Bowl-bound alum already in his corner.