Kyle Whittingham Emerges as Frontrunner for Michigan Head Coaching Position
Michigan’s search for a new football head coach is intensifying, with Kyle Whittingham, the current head coach of the University of Utah, reportedly emerging as the leading candidate. According to reports from ESPN’s Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel, a deal could be finalized if key university officials give their approval. The vacancy arose on Dec. 10 following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore after an internal investigation revealed “credible evidence” of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The Wolverines’ coaching search has been closely watched since Moore’s departure. Biff Poggi, an associate coach under Moore this season, is currently serving as interim head coach and will lead the team in the Camping World Stadium Bowl against Texas on Dec. 31. While Whittingham is at the forefront, other coaches were also considered, including Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Washington’s Jedd Fisch, identified as “gettable coaches” by Thamel on a recent episode of Get Up.
Whittingham initially announced on Dec. 12 his intention to step down as Utah’s head coach after the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve. However, reporting from The Athletic’s Christopher Kamrani and Stewart Mandel indicated that the 66-year-old’s departure was not a retirement and that he remained open to other opportunities. This shift in perspective has fueled speculation about his potential move to Michigan.
With 21 years as an FBS head coach – second only to Kirk Ferentz at Iowa – Whittingham brings a wealth of experience and stability to the table. His tenure with the Utes spans 32 consecutive years, beginning as an assistant coach under Ron McBride (1994-2002) and continuing with Urban Meyer (2003-2004) before assuming the head coaching role.
Throughout his career at Utah, Whittingham has compiled an impressive 177-88 record, leading the program to 17 bowl appearances and three conference titles. In 2008, he guided the Utes to a co-national championship, recognized by the NCAA alongside Florida. This season, Utah has achieved a 10-2 record heading into their bowl game, marking their first double-digit win season since 2022.
The potential hiring of Whittingham represents a significant move for Michigan, signaling a desire for a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success. The coming days will be crucial as university officials weigh their options and determine the future direction of the Wolverines’ football program.
