Kyle Whittingham didn’t just step into the Michigan spotlight on Sunday - he brought a wave of change with him. The longtime Utah head coach, now officially at the helm in Ann Arbor, made it clear during his introductory press conference that he’s not coming alone. In fact, he's planning to bring “seven or eight” assistant coaches with him, a move that could send shockwaves through the coaching staffs at both Utah and BYU in the coming days.
But before diving into what’s next, Whittingham took a moment to reflect on what he’s leaving behind. After 21 years leading the Utes - a run that included Pac-12 titles, bowl wins, and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams - Whittingham emphasized that his departure wasn’t the result of any fallout behind the scenes.
“To answer your question, the university treated me nothing but good during my time there,” he said. “The community - you know, we had 100 straight sellouts and counting - and the support, it was just a very enjoyable ride in Salt Lake City.”
Whittingham made it clear this was his call. After more than two decades at the helm, he felt the time was right to step away - but not before one last ride.
“I contemplated stepping down before last season,” he admitted. “But we had such a frustrating year.
We were on our fifth quarterback by the end of the season, and it was just so frustrating that I could not end on that note. So I came back and righted the ship, so to speak, and we got back on track.”
That decision gave him the closure he needed. And now, he’s turning the page - not just on a new job, but on a new challenge at one of college football’s blue bloods.
Whittingham, known for his no-nonsense style and defensive pedigree, is bringing a familiar crew with him to Michigan. While he didn’t name every coach joining him, the message was clear: trust and familiarity will be the foundation of his new staff.
“Urban [Meyer] and me are very tight,” Whittingham said. “I got some counsel from him.
He’s been a few places, and the key is to get guys in you trust; guys that do things your way. I know what to expect and what my expectations are.”
That philosophy is already taking shape. Shortly after Whittingham’s presser, reports surfaced that Michigan is targeting BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill to join the Wolverines. On the offensive side, Utah OC Jason Beck is reportedly the frontrunner to take over play-calling duties in Ann Arbor.
Whittingham confirmed that Michigan will run a spread offense - the same system Beck used at Utah this past season - and he believes it’s a perfect fit for quarterback Bryce Underwood.
“The offense we’re going to bring in here, I think, is going to suit him to a T,” Whittingham said. “I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience here.”
It’s a remarkable turn of events for a coach who, just a few weeks ago, was preparing to walk away from the game. Whittingham had planned to retire after Utah’s appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve. But then, Michigan’s head coaching job suddenly opened up under dramatic circumstances.
On December 10, former Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore was fired following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. That same night, he was arrested for allegedly threatening the woman involved. In the aftermath, Michigan’s leadership moved quickly - and Whittingham was at the top of their list.
Now, the 65-year-old coach is energized by the opportunity. He’s not just looking to stabilize the program - he’s aiming to take it back to the College Football Playoff.
“I still have a lot left in the tank,” Whittingham said. “I knew that there were [a certain number of schools] that you can count on one hand ... that if they called, I would listen and be receptive to what they had to say.
Michigan was one of those schools - definitely a top-five job in the country, without a doubt. I’m just elated to be here.”
And it’s not just Whittingham making the transition - his family is all in, too.
“I just can’t say enough about how myself, my family and my wife are excited to be here,” he said. “I have 8-year-old grandsons that are instant Michigan fans. They’ve changed their team to Michigan on the college football game.”
From Salt Lake City to Ann Arbor, the Whittingham era is officially underway. And if his track record is any indication, Michigan fans have every reason to believe that something special could be brewing in the Big Ten.