The Michigan Wolverines announced Kyle Whittingham as their new head football coach Friday, replacing Sherrone Moore after the program’s disappointing season.
Whittingham spent over two decades building Utah into a consistent winner. He’s now tasked with getting Michigan back to championship contention.
“Michigan fans, coach Kyle Whittingham,” Whittingham said in a video on X. “Honored to be here, honored to be the football coach of this great university. Can’t wait to get working with our players, getting to know them and getting Michigan football to where it should be.”
The hire represents a complete shift in philosophy for the Wolverines. Whittingham built his reputation on tough, physical teams that competed at the highest level year after year.
“We are honored to lead the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent Michigan Football each day,” Whittingham said. “Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence—both on the field and beyond—and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together.”
Whittingham’s track record speaks for itself. He turned Utah into a program that consistently competed with anyone in the Pac-12.
Athletic Director Warde Manuel made it clear why Michigan targeted Whittingham specifically.
“Kyle Whittingham is a well-respected and highly successful head coach who is widely recognized as a leader of exceptional character and principled leadership,” Manuel said. “Throughout our search, he consistently demonstrated the qualities we value at Michigan: vision, resilience, and the ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams.”
The Wolverines needed someone who could restore the program’s identity. Moore’s tenure didn’t deliver the results Michigan expected after their national championship run.
Whittingham brings exactly what Manuel described – a commitment to building programs the right way. His teams at Utah were known for their discipline and physicality.
“Kyle brings not only a proven track record of success, but also a commitment to creating a program rooted in toughness, physicality, discipline and respect,” Manuel added.
Michigan’s expectations haven’t changed. The program still wants to compete for Big Ten titles and playoff spots every season.
Whittingham’s first challenge will be navigating the transfer portal and rebuilding the roster. The Wolverines lost several key players after Moore’s dismissal.
