Michigan football to hire ex-Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, reports say

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Arizona State fans are sitting back and figuratively devouring popcorn as the final chapter of the Michigan coaching search plays out.

Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham, whose name was prominently mentioned among the leading candidates, reached a contract extension with ASU on Dec. 20, and on Friday, Dec. 26, news broke that Michigan is finalizing a deal to hire longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Michigan reportedly sought Dillingham as a replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was fired Dec. 10, but ASU retained its coach, who signed a new five-year deal with an annual average value of approximately $7.5 million.

Whittingham, who was the head coach for the past 21 seasons at Utah, stepped down to say he was pursuing the “transfer portal,” and certainly had plenty of interest from potential suitors.

Under Whittingham, Utah won the Pac-12 twice (2021-22) and finished 10-2 this season, pending its Dec. 31 matchup with Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl.

He replaced Urban Meyer, who was hired away by the Florida Gators in 2004.

The Utes took out Arizona State, 42-10, this season.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: With Dillingham out, Michigan football eyes ex-Utah coach Whittingham

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