Matt Barrie Names the Perfect Hire for Michigan Head Coaching Job

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The 2025 college football coaching carousel is still ongoing as there are still several jobs open, including the Michigan Wolverines head coaching position.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that a university investigation uncovered credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship involving former head coach Sherrone Moore and a staff member, resulting in Moore’s termination. Following this, Moore was arrested by the police for an alleged assault. He now faces charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.

Since then, several coaches have been considered to replace Moore, including Kalen DeBoer from the Alabama Crimson Tide, Kenny Dillingham from the Arizona State Sun Devils and Jedd Fisch from the Washington Huskies. However, ESPN’s Matt Barrie stated on his show, “The Matt Barrie Show,” that the ideal candidate for the position is Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham.

“What they need is Kyle Whittingham,” Barrie said. “Who ran a good, clean program at Utah. I get it, he’s older, and he’s not the sexiest hire in terms of name recognition and youth. But you need a guy to steady that ship.”

Whittingham, 66, had an impressive 22-year tenure as the head coach at Utah, achieving a record of 177-88. His time at the helm included eight seasons with double-digit wins, capped off by a 10-2 record this year. However, he announced he will step down after No. 15 Utah’s bowl game, citing a desire not to overstay his welcome.

“I’m a free agent, I’m in the transfer portal,” Whittingham said. “As I said, I’m at peace, and I did not want to be that guy that overstayed his welcome with people just saying, ‘Hey, when’s this guy gonna leave?’ That was not my intention, ever. I hope I didn’t do that. I’m sure with some people, I did do that, but the timing to me, the timing is right.”

Michigan’s situation has shifted the coaching search away from upside plays and toward credibility and control. With the Wolverines navigating the fallout of an abrupt coaching change, national analysts have increasingly emphasized the need for a leader who can stabilize the program internally while restoring trust externally.

Whittingham’s résumé offers a stark contrast to the uncertainty surrounding the job. More importantly, his Utah program was defined by continuity, physical identity and low volatility, traits Michigan historically values. Whittingham himself acknowledged his openness to new opportunities, famously describing himself as “a free agent” in the “transfer portal,” while explaining his decision to step away before overstaying his welcome.

Looking ahead, Michigan’s choice will shape its trajectory during a volatile period in college football, where stability is increasingly scarce. Whether Whittingham becomes a true candidate or simply a measuring stick for what the Wolverines want next, his profile underscores the direction many believe Michigan must take, prioritizing trust, discipline and long-term footing as the program charts its next chapter.

Whittingham will close out his Utah tenure at the Las Vegas Bowl. The Utes face the Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5) at 3:30 p.m. ET Dec. 31 on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Related: New Favorite Emerges to Replace Sherrone Moore at Michigan

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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