Cole Sullivan Reflects on Citrus Bowl Loss, Eyes Future with Michigan Amid Coaching Transition
ORLANDO, Fla. - When the final whistle blew at Camping World Stadium, Cole Sullivan wasn’t thinking about the transfer portal or the coaching carousel swirling around Michigan football. He was thinking about the game - and the fight he and his teammates just put up in a 41-27 loss to Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
That’s who Sullivan is: a competitor first, a decision-maker second.
The sophomore linebacker wrapped up a breakout season with 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble - all in just 11 games. And while the Wolverines’ season ended on a sour note, Sullivan’s postgame comments hinted at a player who isn’t ready to walk away from what’s being built in Ann Arbor.
“I had a great meeting with Coach [Kyle] Whittingham,” Sullivan said after the game. “I really, really like him and what he’s bringing to this team and this program.”
It’s early days in Michigan’s coaching transition, and Sullivan wasn’t ready to make any sweeping declarations about his future. But his tone made it clear: there’s real interest in sticking around - if the pieces fall into place.
A Young Core, A New Era
Michigan leaned heavily on its youth this season, and Sullivan was right in the thick of it. Twelve of the top 22 players on defense in terms of snap count were freshmen or sophomores.
On offense, that number was 14. That kind of youth movement can go one of two ways - either you rebuild, or you reload.
Sullivan seems to believe Michigan is trending toward the latter.
“I think we have a great group of guys to be back next year,” he said. “Everyone kept saying we’re a very young team, one of the youngest in the country, and that just goes to show what we can build on for next year and years to come.”
Still, he’s not speaking for anyone else. Each player will have their own decision to make.
The transfer portal opens Friday, and coaching changes always bring uncertainty. Whittingham has already indicated he plans to bring in seven or eight new assistants, which means the locker room will be watching closely as the new staff takes shape.
What Sullivan’s Watching For
For Sullivan, it’s not just about who’s hired - it’s about how the new staff fits with the culture already in place. Scheme matters, but so does chemistry.
“Obviously the scheme is one thing, and just the mentality of the staff,” he said. “That’s kind of all I can really say right now. I’m really excited to meet everybody that’s coming and just see what they have to say, and hopefully we blend in a good way.”
As of Wednesday night, Michigan was targeting BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill for the same role in Ann Arbor. Iowa linebackers coach Seth Wallace is also reportedly high on the list. Neither hire is official yet, but both would represent experienced defensive minds who could shape the next phase of Michigan football.
Sullivan isn’t rushing into anything. He plans to take a closer look at his options once the team returns to campus. But he left no doubt that Whittingham has made a strong first impression.
“I’m very excited by the hire,” Sullivan said. “But it’s hard to say right now.
There are too many unknowns, and I was just trying to focus on this game today. Tomorrow, I’ll start thinking about that.”
The Bottom Line
Sullivan’s measured approach is exactly what you’d want from a team leader. He’s not making emotional decisions.
He’s not jumping to conclusions. He’s evaluating - just like he does on the field.
And if Michigan can lock in the right coaching staff and build around its young core, there’s a real chance Sullivan will be back in maize and blue, anchoring a defense that looks poised to grow up fast.
For now, the season is over. But in Ann Arbor, the next chapter is already being written. And Cole Sullivan might just be one of its central characters.