Michigan football officially has its new man at the helm - and he’s being compensated like one of the top names in the game.
Kyle Whittingham, the longtime Utah head coach who was introduced as Michigan’s 22nd head coach on Dec. 28, has signed a five-year deal worth $41 million in base salary, according to a memorandum of understanding dated Dec. 26, 2025. That puts Whittingham among the highest-paid coaches in college football, and the structure of the deal shows just how serious Michigan is about sustaining success in the post-Harbaugh era.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Whittingham’s base salary starts at $8 million in 2026 and increases by $100,000 each year, topping out at $8.4 million in 2031. That steady annual bump is standard in contracts of this size, but the real intrigue lies in the performance incentives and contract protections.
If Michigan parts ways with Whittingham without cause, he’s entitled to 75% of his remaining base salary - a significant safety net. His own buyout starts at $5 million if he leaves before Feb. 1, 2027, and drops by $1 million each year through 2031. That’s a clear sign of mutual commitment: Michigan wants stability, and Whittingham isn’t looking to make this a short-term stop.
Big Ten, Big Stakes
The incentives built into the contract reflect Michigan’s ambitions - and the new landscape of college football with the expanded College Football Playoff and a more competitive Big Ten.
Whittingham can earn:
- $500,000 for reaching the Big Ten Championship Game
- $1 million for winning it
- $200,000 for a first-round bye in the CFP
- $100,000 for a quarterfinal appearance
- $200,000 for reaching the semifinal
- $500,000 for making the national title game
- $1 million for winning the whole thing
Do the math, and a perfect season - like the 16-0 run Indiana just pulled off - could land Whittingham $3.5 million in postseason bonuses alone. Add that to his base salary, and he’d be looking at a total payday north of $11.5 million for the year.
Recognition and Academics Matter Too
Beyond wins and trophies, there are bonuses tied to individual accolades and academic performance - a nod to the holistic approach Michigan has long valued.
If Whittingham is voted Big Ten Coach of the Year by his peers, he’ll earn an extra $50,000. A National Coach of the Year honor brings another $75,000. And if the team hits an Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 960 or higher, he’s eligible for up to $150,000 more at the discretion of the athletic director.
That’s not just window dressing. It shows that Michigan expects excellence not just on Saturdays, but in the classroom and across the program.
The Perks of the Job
The contract also includes a suite of benefits befitting a coach of Whittingham’s stature. He’ll get:
- A department-issued phone
- Use of two university-paid vehicles
- A private suite for all home games
- First-class airfare and private charter for university business
- Up to 30 hours of personal use on the private charter annually
These kinds of perks are standard for elite coaches, but they also reflect the university’s commitment to providing Whittingham with the resources and comfort to focus on building a championship-caliber program.
Compliance and Culture
At the bottom of the MOU is a clear statement of expectations: Whittingham is expected to uphold NCAA, Big Ten, and university rules - and to ensure his staff and players do the same. If he becomes aware of any potential violations, he’s obligated to report them to the athletic director or compliance office.
That’s standard language, but it underscores the importance of integrity in a high-profile program like Michigan’s, especially in an era when the spotlight is brighter than ever.
Signed and Sealed
The agreement was signed by Whittingham, athletic director Warde Manuel, and university president Domenico Grasso on Dec. 26, 2025 - two days before Whittingham was introduced to the public.
Now, the ink is dry, the expectations are sky-high, and the Wolverines have their new leader. Whittingham brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record, and now, the backing of one of college football’s premier programs. The next chapter in Michigan football is officially underway.