Kyle Whittingham Early Life and Coaching Roots:
Kyle Whittingham, the head coach of Utah, will be Michigan’s next head football coach, according to an official statement made on Friday, December 26. A person with knowledge of the situation had earlier confirmed the news to the Detroit Free Press during the day, speaking on condition of anonymity since the employment was not yet public.
According to an ESPN article that the Free Press also confirmed, Kyle Whittingham, 66, will sign a five-year contract with the institution. This action marked the end of a very quick search for a new coach following the dismissal of former coach Sherrone Moore for cause earlier this month.
Kyle Whittingham is a highly accomplished and well-respected head coach who is well known as a leader of extraordinary character and principled leadership, according to a statement from Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel. Throughout our search, he consistently shown the qualities that Michigan values: vision, resiliency, and the ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams.
Along with his proven track record of success, Kyle Whittingham is committed to building a program that values toughness, physicality, discipline, and respect—where coaches and student-athletes respectfully represent the university both on and off the field. We are excited to welcome Kyle into the University of Michigan community as he takes on leadership of our football program.
After 21 years as Utah’s head coach, Kyle Whittingham announced on December 12 that he would step down following the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31. On December 18, the 66-year-old told reporters that he was not retiring and that he was entering the transfer portal era of collegiate football. After Urban Meyer left for Florida, Whittingham spent 20 years in Salt Lake City, amassing a 177–88 record.
Whittingham, a graduate of Brigham Young University, has only held coaching positions west of the Continental Divide. However, he is regarded as a capable leader who can guide the Michigan team out of its current predicament.
Whittingham is thought to be a safe, transitional hire—someone who can keep Michigan competitive while lowering expectations for an immediate rise to the Big Ten’s top division. He was a consistently effective coach who led Utah in the Mountain West, Pac-12, and Big 12 leagues. He won the Mountain West championship once (2008) and the Pac-12 championship twice (2021 and 2022).
In a statement, Whittingham said, “It is an honor to lead the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent Michigan Football every day.” Both on and off the field, our whole program is committed to upholding the tradition and greatness that Michigan stands for while cooperating to accomplish success.
” Watching our student-athletes develop and succeed both academically and on the field makes my family and me proud to be part of the University of Michigan community. and as leaders. It’s an honor to be a part of something that makes every Wolverine fan proud.”Go Blue Whittingham’s last coaching position outside of Utah was as defensive coordinator at Idaho State in 1993. His struggles against top teams raise questions about his ability to achieve Michigan’s ultimate success goals, even though he will surely be known in Utah football history.
Whittingham differs significantly from Michigan’s tradition of employing football players. Before Bo Schembechler retired in 1990, five of Michigan’s seven head coaches—including former player Jim Harbaugh and former assistant coaches Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, Brady Hoke, and Moore—had ties to the school.
The sole true outside hiring from 2008 to 2010 was Rich Rodriguez, who had a 15–22 record.
Despite notable on-field accomplishments, including a national championship in 2023, Harbaugh’s tenure was tainted by two NCAA investigations. Consequently, the school faced a $30 million punishment, two suspensions, and two show-cause penalties that lasted until 2038.
Moore was also suspended twice while he was a student at Michigan. He was given a one-game suspension in 2023 for his role as an assistant coach in recruiting infractions. Moore was also involved in the school’s attempt to steal signs. He served two of a three-game suspension in 2025 and was supposed to miss the team’s first game in 2026 before being fired. He was also given a two-year show-cause punishment.
After speaking directly with Coach Whittingham and reviewing his record both on the field and beyond it, Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso said in a statement, “I am sure that Coach Whittingham will bring dignity, integrity, and intense competitiveness to this program while serving as a strong role model for our student-athletes and staff.”
Whittingham prioritizes the academic purpose of college athletics, as seen by its 93 percent graduation rate—one of the highest among Power Conference football programs. For the University of Michigan, Coach Whittingham is now the best option.
Michigan announced Moore’s dismissal on December 10, citing the coach’s inappropriate relationship with a staff member.