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(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) – Alex Whittingham has begun his first season as linebackers coach at the University of Michigan after an eight-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs association.
Whittingham joined the Michigan coaching staff following the 2025 season, having previously served as the Chiefs’ assistant defensive line coach. His arrival brings a wealth of experience from a highly successful NFL franchise to the Wolverines’ defensive unit.
- Alex Whittingham is now coaching linebackers at Michigan after eight years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- He was part of five Super Bowl-winning Chiefs teams,including titles in 2020,2022,and 2023.
- Whittingham has coached every defensive position group during his time in Kansas City.
During his time with the Chiefs, Whittingham occupied several roles within the defensive coaching staff, including two years as a defensive assistant (2018, 2024), five years as a defensive quality control coach (2019, 2020-23), and his most recent position as assistant defensive line coach in 2025. He initially worked with outside linebackers in 2018 before transitioning to the defensive line room in 2019, and later coached the linebackers group for four seasons and the secondary in 2024.
Whittingham was a part of five Chiefs teams that reached the Super Bowl, contributing to the organization’s victories in Super Bowl LIV (2020), LVII (2022), and LVIII (2023).He worked closely with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as spagnuolo’s hiring in 2019.
The Chiefs consistently ranked among the league’s best defenses during Whittingham’s tenure, finishing in the top 10 in points against in six of his eight seasons, and top six in each of his final three seasons. The team was also a top-12 unit in yards allowed per game in each of the last four seasons (2022-25).
whittingham assisted in the growth of several prominent defensive players, including defensive linemen Frank Clark and Chris Jones, linebackers Nick bolton, Dee Ford, Willie Gay, Justin Houston, and Drue Tranquill, and defensive back Trent McDuffie. While coaching outside linebackers, Dee Ford tied for the NFL lead with seven forced fumbles and recorded a career-high 13.0 sacks. In 2021, Nick Bolton, while under Whittingham’s guidance with the linebackers, was named the team’s Mack Lee Hill award winner as the best rookie or first-year player, and the following season broke the franchise record with 180 tackles. Players coached by Whittingham combined for four pro bowl selections.
Background and Context
Whittingham’s coaching career began after a playing career at the University of Utah (2013-17), where he walked on to the team under his father and appeared in 45 games. His move to Michigan represents a return to the collage ranks and a new challenge in the highly competitive big Ten Conference. He and his wife, Gabi, have three children: daughters Eleanor and Amelia, and a son, McCoy.
Whittingham’s extensive experience with the Kansas City Chiefs, a consistently successful NFL franchise, provides a valuable perspective to the Michigan defense.
Did you know? Whittingham coached linebackers for four seasons with the Chiefs, helping Nick Bolton win the Mack Lee Hill Award in 2021.
