Michigan hires former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines
University of Michigan hired new head football coach after firing ex-coach Sherrone Moore on December 10 for having an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee. Moore was arrested hours after his dismissal and loaded later with home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.
The University of Manitoba announced Friday evening that Kyle Whittingham, 66, who was head coach of the Utes at the University of Utah for 21 seasons, has agreed to a five-year contract through 2030 to lead the Wolverines.
Contact details have not been released.
“Kyle Whittingham is a highly respected and successful head coach, widely recognized as a leader with exceptional character and principled leadership,” said Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel.
Whittingham said, “My family and I are excited to join the University of Michigan community and look forward to helping our players grow, develop and reach their highest potential – on the field, in the classroom and as leaders. It is a privilege to be a part of something that inspires pride in all Wolverine fans.”
Michigan hopes to turn things around after Moore cooking. Moore was coach for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after working under former coach Jim Harbaugh since 2018. Michigan later announced its athletic department was being reviewed as part of the investigation against Moore.
Whittingham joined the Utes staff in 1994, first as defensive line coach. He rose through the ranks, also serving as defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and safeties coach, before being named head coach in 2005.
In Whittingham’s first seven seasons as head coach, he led the Utes to seven bowl games, winning six. Whittingham finished with a 177-88 career record with the Utes and an 11-6 bowl record. His best season came in 2008 when he led the Utes to an undefeated record and a Sugar Bowl victory.
Whittingham is Utah’s all-time wins leader and his 177 wins rank third among active FBS coaches. He led the Utes to more than 10 wins eight times and recorded 18 winning seasons.
On December 12, Whittingham announced his resignation. The Utes finished the 2025 season with a 10-2 record and now prepare for the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska. Whittingham will not coach Utah in its bowl game and will instead join Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines (9-3) prepare for the Citrus Bowl against Texas, with interim coach Biff Poggi leading the team. Poggi told reporters earlier this week that he interviewed for the joband the university hoped to hire its next coach before the bowl game.
