Michigan Reportedly Targeting Kyle Whittingham as Next Head Coach - What It Means for the Rivalry with Ohio State
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has always been one of college football’s most intense storylines, and now it’s taking another twist. After Ohio State snapped a three-year losing streak to Michigan with a commanding 27-9 win last month, the Wolverines are in the middle of a major transition - one that could have long-term implications for The Game.
That victory marked a significant milestone for Ryan Day. It was his first win over Michigan with a roster made up entirely of players he recruited as Ohio State’s head coach.
And it wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. The Buckeyes dominated from start to finish, controlling the line of scrimmage, dictating tempo, and shutting down Michigan’s offense in a way we haven’t seen in recent matchups.
That game also turned out to be the final one for Michigan interim head coach Sherrone Moore. Just weeks after the loss, Moore was let go, and reports indicate things have unraveled for him since. With Moore out, Michigan has been actively searching for a new leader to take the reins of a program that’s been under a microscope both on and off the field.
Now, it appears Michigan is zeroing in on a new candidate - one that Ohio State fans are already familiar with.
Kyle Whittingham Reportedly in Talks to Become Michigan’s Next Head Coach
Multiple reports suggest that Michigan is close to finalizing a deal with longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. After two decades in Salt Lake City, Whittingham recently stepped down from his post with the Utes, but it seems he may not be done coaching just yet.
Whittingham has crossed paths with Ohio State before - most notably in the 2022 Rose Bowl. That game was a shootout, with Ryan Day’s Buckeyes outlasting Utah 48-45 in one of the most entertaining bowl games in recent memory.
What made that win even more impressive for Ohio State was the fact that they did it without two of their top offensive weapons. Both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft, yet the Buckeyes still found a way to put up nearly 50 points.
For Whittingham, that Rose Bowl loss was a tough pill to swallow, but it was also a showcase of his team's resilience and offensive creativity. However, the last couple of seasons at Utah haven’t been as kind. Since the start of the NIL era, Whittingham’s teams have struggled to maintain the same level of consistency that made Utah a Pac-12 power for much of the 2010s and early 2020s.
If he does land the Michigan job, Whittingham will have more resources at his disposal - both in terms of recruiting budget and NIL support. But the question remains: will that be enough to challenge Ohio State, especially given the Buckeyes’ recent momentum and recruiting dominance?
What This Means for the Rivalry
For Ohio State fans, the potential hiring of Whittingham isn’t exactly cause for alarm. While he brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams, his recent track record suggests he may face a steep climb in the Big Ten - especially against a Buckeye program that seems to have found its groove again.
Whittingham is known for his defensive-minded approach and player development, but the Big Ten is evolving quickly. With conference realignment, expanded College Football Playoff access, and the ever-changing landscape of NIL, the challenges facing a Michigan head coach today are very different than they were even five years ago.
If Michigan does finalize the deal, Whittingham will inherit a program in flux - one that’s dealing with leadership turnover, heightened expectations, and the pressure of ending what could become another Ohio State win streak. He’s no stranger to big games, but The Game is a different beast entirely.
Ohio State, meanwhile, looks like a team on a mission. That 27-9 win wasn’t just about breaking a losing streak - it was about reasserting dominance in a rivalry that defines both programs. And with Ryan Day now winning with his own guys, the Buckeyes seem poised to keep that edge.
So yes, Michigan may be close to making a hire. But until someone can consistently beat Ohio State, the balance of power in the rivalry remains firmly in Columbus.