Veteran College Football Coach Emerges as Top Candidate to Replace Sherrone Moore at Michigan

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Veteran College Football Coach Emerges as Top Candidate to Replace Sherrone Moore at Michigan

The University of Michigan is deep into its search for a new head football coach after firing Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10. Moore was dismissed for cause following an investigation that found he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. He compiled an 18-8 record, including a 9-3 mark in 2025, before his tenure ended amid controversy.

Associate head coach Biff Poggi was named interim head coach and will lead the Michigan Wolverines in their upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns. Moore’s firing left Michigan searching for its third head coach in four years.

Former Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In the early stages of the search, several notable names have been linked to the job, including Poggi himself. The interim coach confirmed he has been interviewed for the permanent role and stated Michigan intends to name a new coach before the Citrus Bowl.

However, on Friday ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel reported that former Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as the focus of Michigan’s coaching search.

Whittingham, 66, stepped down as head coach of Utah in December after a 21-season tenure in which he compiled a 177-88 record, including an undefeated 13-0 season in 2008 and three conference championships (one Mountain West, two Pac-12).

He is known for building consistent, physical programs and has won national and regional coaching honors, including AFCA Coach of the Year and the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award.

Whittingham never officially retired from coaching and has expressed openness to new opportunities, making him an attractive candidate for a program seeking a steady hand.

As of writing, no final decision has been announced, but sources say Michigan hopes to finalize its coaching hire before the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The No. 18 Wolverines will face No. 14 Texas on Dec. 31, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET and the game on ABC and the ESPN app.

Related: Lane Kiffin, LSU Lose Key Personnel to Ole Miss Amid College Football Season

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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