Michigan has reportedly found its next head coach

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Michigan has its man … well, its man after Kalen DeBoer, Kenny Dillingham, Jedd Fisch, and a few others, according to multiple reports. The university is reportedly finalizing a deal with former Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Whittingham, of course, comes from Utah, where he's spent the past 21 seasons compiling a 177-88 record with the Utes. He is the all-time winningest coach at the University of Utah and comes from the Urban Meyer coaching tree. Whittingham replaced Meyer in Salt Lake City after the latter left to take the helm at Florida. Meyer advocated for Whittingham to take over head coaching duties, and the rest is history.

Whittingham has had success leading the Utes to an 11-5 bowl record in his tenure, including a 2009 upset win over Nick Saban and Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. He is a three-time National Coach of the Year winner. However, maybe the only stat Ohio State would care about is Whittingham's career record against the Buckeyes, which is zero wins and one loss. That loss came in spectacular fashion as Buckeye Nation fondly remembers the come-from-behind win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.

Even though the Wolverines weren't able to lure their top few choices to Ann Arbor, Whittingham is a win. Not splashy necessarily, but a win nonetheless. Michigan wanted someone who would be able to stabilize a program that has been in turmoil for several years now, from illegal sign-stealing allegations to FBI computer seizures to Sherrone Moore's inappropriate relationship with a female staffer and more. University officials also sought someone with experience as a winning head coach. Whittingham checks both of those boxes.

And as much as Buckeye fans might hate to hear it, Whittingham is a likable guy, unlike the previous few head coaches who have worn the Block M hat and headset. He brings a tough, physical brand of football, but respects opponents in both victory and defeat. To be honest, it will be refreshing in a rivalry that used to have a solid foundation of mutual respect. Yes, dislike for the other side, but respect for the opponent and reverence for the rivalry. You'll see no flag planting from Whittingham-coached teams. No taunting opposing fans in the stands. Just well-coached, hard-nosed football.

Whittingham is putting the final bow on his Utah career as he plans to coach the Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on New Year's Eve at 1:30 pm ET. If not familiar with his game, Ohio State fans can tune in as a precursor to the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Whittingham is 66 years old, so this isn't a long-term hire. But it is a safe move that will help Michigan distance itself from a tumultuous past few years. In three to five years, a new search will begin in Ann Arbor. And if Whittingham does his job, it could be a highly sought-after position once again.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Michigan reportedly finalizing deal to hire its next head coach

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