Former University of Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham has officially been named the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, marking a significant transition in his coaching career. During a press conference held in Orlando, Florida, on March 10, 2024, Whittingham expressed his excitement about joining one of college football’s most storied programs.
Whittingham, who spent over three decades at Utah, including 21 years as the head coach, acknowledged that he was operating on limited sleep but still managed to engage the audience effectively. “I am one of those rare college football coaches that doesn’t like to hear himself talk,” he stated. Despite this, he quickly won over the crowd when he humorously declared his newfound disdain for Ohio State, a sentiment that resonated well with Michigan fans.
Reflecting on his time at Utah, Whittingham emphasized that the decision to step down was not made lightly. “After 21 years at Utah, I stepped down a couple of weeks ago,” he said. “I knew there was a lot left in the tank. You could count on one hand the number of schools that I would be receptive to. Michigan was one of those schools. Definitely a top-5 job in the country, without a doubt.”
In the lead-up to his introduction, Whittingham met with the Wolverines team, who are preparing for an upcoming game against Texas in the Citrus Bowl. He noted that he had followed BYU’s recent victory over Georgia Tech online during his flight, underscoring his continued connection to his former team.
As speculation swirls around potential staff changes, sources indicate that BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill is likely to join Whittingham at Michigan. Whittingham did not confirm any specific names but mentioned that he is assembling a strong coaching staff, which will include several newcomers and a few holdovers. “Can’t give you any names right now,” he said, indicating that announcements will come soon.
Whittingham’s approach to recruiting has also drawn interest. When asked about potentially attracting players from BYU and Utah, he emphasized that while tampering is not his style, he remains open to players who enter the transfer portal. “If a player that we have interest in enters the portal, that is a whole different ball game,” he explained.
During the press conference, Whittingham addressed his tenure at Utah, affirming that he felt treated fairly by the university. He expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career and acknowledged that stepping down was a personal decision. “I have seen too many coaches hang on too long,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of the previous season.
He also shared a light-hearted moment regarding his family, revealing that his grandchildren are now switching their favorite teams to Michigan. “What was appealing about Michigan was the obvious. It is Michigan, and all that entails — the tradition, the Big House,” he remarked, highlighting the allure of joining such a prestigious program.
Whittingham’s connection to his predecessor at Michigan, Warde Manuel, was also a factor in his decision to accept the role. The timing of his acceptance coincided with the departure of former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, making the opportunity even more compelling.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Whittingham remains focused on the task at hand: winning games and leading the Wolverines back to prominence. He concluded, “I still have a lot of energy, and hey, if the right opportunity came I would be all in on that.”
With a rich history in college football and a legacy at Utah, Whittingham’s transition to Michigan is set to begin, and fans are eager to see how he will shape the future of the Wolverines.
