The Big Ten just got another jolt of intrigue heading into the new year, as Michigan made a major move to fill its head coaching vacancy - and they didn’t go the flashy route. They went with experience, stability, and a proven track record, hiring longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to take the reins in Ann Arbor.
Whittingham, 65, is one of the most respected names in college football, having led the Utes for over two decades. He’s been a fixture in Salt Lake City since 2002 and built Utah into a consistently tough, physical, and disciplined program - traits that should translate seamlessly into the Big Ten’s brand of football.
What makes this move even more fascinating is that Whittingham didn’t step away from Utah because he was done coaching. The Utes had a transition plan in place, handing the future of the program to defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as a coach-in-waiting. Whittingham made it clear he wasn’t ready to hang it up, and now he’s landed one of the most prestigious jobs in the country.
Michigan, for its part, has had a turbulent month. The Jim Harbaugh era officially came to a close, and interim head coach Sherrone Moore - once thought to be a potential long-term option - was fired for cause following an inappropriate relationship. That left a major void at the top of the program, and Michigan responded by bringing in a seasoned leader who’s built his reputation on consistency and toughness.
This past season, the Wolverines still managed to put together a solid campaign, finishing 9-3 with highly touted five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood leading the offense in his freshman year. Underwood showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, and now he’ll get the chance to develop under a coach who knows how to build and sustain a winning culture.
Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to see just how much roster movement Michigan experiences this offseason - the transfer portal is always a wild card, especially with a coaching change. But on paper, Whittingham looks like a steadying force. He’s not a splashy hire, but he’s a proven winner with a blueprint that’s worked in a Power Five setting.
His Utah teams were known for their physicality, discipline, and ability to punch above their weight - exactly the kind of identity that plays well in the Big Ten. And with Michigan heading into a new era in a conference that’s only getting tougher, that kind of foundation could be invaluable.
Wisconsin, for example, has a drastically different schedule in 2026 compared to 2025, but Michigan remains one of the marquee matchups on their calendar. And now, with Whittingham on the sidelines, the Wolverines bring a new look - but potentially the same kind of bite.
This hire doesn’t just mark a new chapter for Michigan. It’s another reminder that in today’s college football landscape, experience still matters. And Kyle Whittingham brings plenty of it.