The University of Michigan has appointed its new head coach.
University of Michigan authorities finalized a five-year contract with Utah’s former coach, Kyle Whittingham, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger on Friday. Whittingham is anticipated to be with the squad in Orlando for their Citrus Bowl matchup on December 31st against the Texas Longhorns, according to Dellenger. ESPN indicates the agreement carries an annual value of $8.2 million.
Whittingham recently declared his resignation from his 21-year tenure leading the Utes, although he had clarified that this did not signify a full retirement from his coaching career.
At 66 years old, Whittingham achieved a 177-88 record while at Utah, having succeeded Urban Meyer at the close of the 2004 season. Under Whittingham’s leadership, the Utes secured ten or more victories in eight different seasons and experienced only three seasons with a losing record. In none of these less successful seasons did they register fewer than five victories.
The appointment of Whittingham concludes an unexpected December coaching hunt, occurring just over two weeks after Sherrone Moore’s termination. The coach, in his second year, was dismissed for cause on December 10th after Michigan uncovered proof of an unsuitable liaison with a team employee.
Subsequently, Moore purportedly visited the staffer’s dwelling and allegedly issued threats of self-harm, simultaneously informing her that she had destroyed his existence. For this occurrence, Moore faces charges of felony home invasion and two misdemeanors, with a court appearance scheduled for January.
Whittingham’s entire football career had been intertwined with Utah, beginning after his time as a linebacker at BYU. He served as a graduate assistant for the Cougars for two years, followed by a seven-year coaching stint at Eastern Utah and Idaho State. His tenure with Utah began in 1994 as the defensive line coach, and he has remained with the Utes ever since, ascending to defensive coordinator in 1995, a role he maintained until Meyer’s departure for Florida in 2005.
Morgan Scalley has already been publicly declared as Whittingham’s replacement at Utah, having previously been designated as the team’s coach-in-waiting. Scalley is now anticipated to lead the Utes during their Las Vegas Bowl appearance on December 31st.
Whittingham is potentially a figure who can restore steadiness to the Michigan athletic department, which has been troubled by scandals in recent times. The institution recently declared its instruction to an independent legal firm, initially probing Moore’s departure, to expand its inquiry to encompass the whole athletic department. Michigan’s football program faced penalties stemming from two distinct NCAA probes during Jim Harbaugh’s leadership, including the Connor Stalions scouting impropriety.
Furthermore, Matt Weiss, the ex-co-offensive coordinator, is confronted with more than 20 federal felony accusations for purportedly gaining unauthorized entry into the accounts of female student-athletes nationwide. Weiss, who was terminated from his Michigan position due to alleged “computer access offenses,” shared the role of co-offensive coordinator with Moore for the Wolverines during the 2022 season.
Prior to Michigan’s focus shifting to Whittingham, Kalen DeBoer of Alabama and Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State were cited as prospective candidates. DeBoer released a declaration stating his disinterest in engaging discussions with any other institution, and Alabama’s victory against Oklahoma in the opening round of the College Football Playoff further complicated Michigan’s aspirations of securing him.
Concurrently, Dillingham finalized an extended contract with Arizona State.
