Michigan football may be on the verge of a major coaching shakeup - and it could come in the form of a seasoned name with serious credentials. According to reports, the Wolverines are zeroing in on former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham as their top target to replace Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed earlier this month following a university investigation and subsequent criminal charges.
Whittingham, who recently announced he was stepping down from his post at Utah, is one of the most respected figures in college football. But here’s the key detail: he never said he was retiring from coaching - just that his time with the Utes was coming to an end.
That subtle distinction now looks significant, especially with Michigan officials reportedly set to meet Friday to discuss his candidacy. A deal could materialize soon.
If Whittingham does land in Ann Arbor, it would mark a bold new chapter for both parties. For Michigan, it would be a stabilizing move after a chaotic December. For Whittingham, it’s a chance to take the reins of one of the sport’s blueblood programs after more than two decades building Utah into a perennial contender.
Let’s not forget what Whittingham brings to the table. Over 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach, he compiled a 177-88 record - a model of consistency in an era defined by coaching turnover. His 2023 squad posted a 10-2 record and will close out the season in the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on New Year’s Eve, which, as it stands, will be his final game with the Utes.
Whittingham has been a fixture in Salt Lake City since the early 2000s, first as an assistant before taking over the head job in 2005. Under his leadership, Utah made the leap from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and never looked out of place. His teams were known for being tough, disciplined, and defensively sound - hallmarks that would fit right into the Big Ten mold.
Meanwhile, Michigan is trying to regain its footing after a stunning fall from grace for Moore, who had taken over as head coach but was terminated on December 10 following an internal investigation. The university cited “credible evidence” that Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Days later, he was arrested and charged with home invasion in the third degree, stalking, and breaking and entering or entering without breaking - all stemming from an incident in which police say he entered the staff member’s home after being fired.
With Moore out and the program in need of leadership, Michigan is clearly looking for a steady hand. Whittingham, at 66, may not be a long-term solution, but he brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record, and a no-nonsense approach that could help calm the waters in Ann Arbor.
Nothing is official yet, but if Michigan does indeed land Whittingham, it would be one of the most significant coaching hires of the offseason - and one that could reshape the Wolverines’ trajectory heading into 2026 and beyond.