Michigan Hires Kyle Whittingham as New Head Football Coach

December 28, 2025 - Ann Arbor, Michigan - The University of Michigan has officially hired Kyle Whittingham, the longtime head coach of the Utah Utes, to lead its football program into a new era. The move comes just two weeks after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore for cause, following a scandal involving an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Whittingham, 66, signed a five-year deal worth $8.2 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Whittingham brings a reputation for toughness, integrity, and consistent success. Over 21 seasons at Utah, he compiled a 177–88 record, won three conference titles across the Mountain West, Pac‑12, and Big 12, and posted 11 bowl victories, including a perfect 13–0 season in 2008. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel praised Whittingham's "principled leadership" and "ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams," calling him the ideal fit for a program seeking stability and renewed focus.

At his introductory press conference in Orlando, where Michigan is preparing for its Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas, Whittingham laid out his vision: a run-first, physical identity rooted in discipline and grit. "Physicality will be our calling card," he said. "If you can win the line of scrimmage and be tough up front, you've always got a chance". He also emphasized roster retention, meeting with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood and pledging to keep Michigan's top recruits engaged.

Whittingham's arrival marks a dramatic shift for Michigan, which had promoted Moore from within after Jim Harbaugh's departure to the NFL. Now, the Wolverines turn to a seasoned outsider with deep ties to Urban Meyer - Whittingham served as Meyer's defensive coordinator at Utah and has leaned on him for advice during the transition. Despite concerns about his age, Whittingham dismissed retirement rumors, joking that he was simply "entering the transfer portal".

With Michigan aiming to return to national title contention, Whittingham's hire signals a return to fundamentals: toughness, accountability, and a culture built to last. For Alabama fans tracking national coaching moves, this one could reshape Big Ten dynamics - and potentially influence SEC recruiting battles as Michigan retools under one of the sport's most respected minds.

There had been speculation that Michigan would go after Alabama's Kalen DeBoer; but that died when Alabama defeated Oklahoma to advance in the playoffs to the Rose Bowl.