Michigan may be on the verge of making a major move to stabilize its football program - and it could come in the form of one of college football’s most respected veterans.
According to multiple reports, Kyle Whittingham, the longtime Utah head coach who stepped down earlier this month, has emerged as the leading candidate in Michigan’s coaching search. Sources indicate that Whittingham’s name is expected to be formally presented to top university officials by Friday, and if all goes smoothly, a deal could be finalized soon after.
This potential hire would mark a significant shift for Michigan. Whittingham brings with him more than three decades of experience at Utah, including 21 seasons as the head coach.
His coaching résumé is as steady as they come - 177 wins, two Pac-12 titles, and a perfect 13-0 season in 2008 that ended with a Mountain West championship. That same year, he was named AFCA Coach of the Year, and in 2019, he took home the prestigious Dodd Trophy, awarded to a coach whose team excels on the field and in the classroom.
What makes Whittingham’s candidacy particularly intriguing is that, despite stepping down from Utah, he hasn’t closed the door on coaching. In fact, just last week, he made it clear that he’s still open to the right opportunity.
“I’m afraid I’m in the transfer portal,” he joked when asked about his future. That lighthearted answer might have carried more weight than initially thought - especially now that Michigan appears ready to make a serious push.
Whittingham took over the Utah program in 2005 after Urban Meyer left for Florida, and he’s been a model of consistency ever since. Eight 10-win seasons.
A track record of player development. A defensive identity that’s been tough, disciplined, and physical.
And perhaps most impressively, he’s managed to evolve with the game - adapting his schemes and staff to stay competitive in both the Mountain West and the Pac-12.
This year’s Utah team went 10-2, adding yet another strong season to his already impressive legacy. Even at 66, Whittingham has shown he still has the fire - and more importantly, the results - to lead a major program.
If Michigan does indeed move forward with Whittingham, he would be stepping into a program that’s been rocked by recent turmoil. The Wolverines are in need of a steady hand after parting ways with Sherrone Moore earlier this month. Moore was fired for cause following an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and was later arrested on three charges after reportedly entering the staff member’s home without permission.
It’s a messy situation, and Michigan knows it needs a leader who can restore order, command respect, and win football games. Whittingham checks all those boxes.
He’s not flashy, but he’s proven. He’s not the type to chase headlines, but his teams always show up prepared.
And perhaps most importantly, he brings a level of credibility that could help Michigan turn the page quickly.
Nothing is finalized yet, but if the university signs off, Kyle Whittingham could be trading in Utah red for Michigan blue - and bringing with him a blueprint for long-term success.