Kyle Whittingham breaks silence on Michigan Wolverines hiring

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Michigan football officially turned the page on a turbulent offseason by naming Kyle Whittingham its next head coach, and the veteran coach wasted little time addressing the significance of the move.

After weeks of speculation following his decision to step down at Utah Utes, Whittingham publicly embraced the challenge awaiting him in Ann Arbor.

“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 said in an official statement. “My family and I are thrilled to join the University of Michigan community, and we look forward to helping our players grow, develop, and reach their highest potential.”

The statement marked his first public comments since Michigan finalized the hire, signaling his intent to align with the program’s historic standards while steering it into a new era.

Whittingham’s hiring followed a whirlwind stretch for both programs. He officially stepped down as Utah’s head coach on Dec. 12, ending a tenure that spanned nearly three decades with the Utes, including taking over as head coach in 2005. While there was no indication he planned to retire, his availability immediately drew national attention.

Michigan, meanwhile, found itself in an unexpected bind after Sherrone Moore was fired with cause amid offseason controversies. Moore had gone 16-8 in two seasons after replacing Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL in early 2024. With the coaching carousel already slowing by mid-December, the Wolverines faced a narrow hiring window.

That context made Whittingham an appealing option. Athletic director Warde Manuel emphasized those qualities in Michigan’s official announcement.

“Throughout our search, he consistently demonstrated the qualities we value at Michigan: vision, resilience, and the ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams,” said Manuel in the statement. “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.”

Whittingham arrives in Ann Arbor with a massive 177-88 career record, his resume includes sustained success at Utah, highlighted by an undefeated 2008 season that later earned a share of the national title.

Whittingham’s immediate task will be restoring stability and trust within a program eager to move past recent turmoil. With a five-year contract running through 2030, Michigan is betting that his steady leadership and proven consistency can reset the Wolverines and position them for long-term success in an increasingly volatile college football landscape.

Related: Kyle Whittingham, Utah Utes AD release statements on coach’s exit

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