Dusty May Doesn't Hesitate to Give Opinion on Kyle Whittingham Hiring
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The Michigan Wolverines‘ athletic program has been one of the most successful in all of college sports in recent years with the basketball team going to the Sweet 16 last season and the football team finishing with a 9-3 record in 2025.
Basketball coach Dusty May’s 2024 hiring was by all accounts a slam dunk among Wolverines, Big Ten and college hoops fans and led to a dramatic turnaround and a strong season.
Michigan brought in the football team’s “next Dusty May” this past Friday, inking former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to a five-year contract that runs through the 2030 season.
On Monday, May’s Wolverines were back on the hardwood, jumping out to a big lead on the 10-2 McNeese State Cowboys before finishing them off, 112-71.
May’s Wolverines are now 12-0 on the season with the USC Trojans coming to town on Friday, Jan. 2.
May took time to share his thoughts on the Whittingham hire, sharing his plans to speak with the longtime Utes football coach in the coming days.
May Shares Whittingham Opinion, Plans
May said that he is a fan of Whittingham and extolled his coaching abilities.
“I’m a fan,” May said. “I think his ability to coach ball is obviously at the highest level. I’m sure he is someone that I’ll lean on for some advice and enjoy learning from because he’s done this at a high level for a long time.
“He’s very well respect in college athletics,” May added.
Whittingham to Retain Alford
Whittingham is expected to retain Michigan football running backs coach Tony Alford according to multiple reports on Monday.
The new Michigan head coach is familiar with the Alford family having included Tony Alford’s late brother Aaron Alford on his staff at Utah before his passing.
Tony Alford previously coached at Ohio State and helped spearhead a strong rushing attack for Michigan in 2025 led by former Heisman Trophy candidate Justice Haynes, who missed the second part of the season due to a right foot injury requiring surgery, Jordan Marshall, and Bryson Kuzdzal, a walk-on who filled in admirably for the injured Haynes and Marshall at times.
Whittingham said he wants to bring in seven or eight new assistant coaches which means current football staff members will likely find themselves out of a job soon.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is expected to be replaced, although Whittingham has not made any decisions to that effect yet.
Related: Wink Martindale Emotional About Expected Release From Michigan Wolverines
Related: Kyle Whittingham’s Portal Philosophy Questioned After Sunday Press Conference
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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