University of Michigan hired outgoing Utah coach Kyle Whittingham lead a scandalous Friday's Wolverines football programlittle more than two weeks after the shocking sacking and arrest of coach Sherron Moore.
The program announced the hiring decision Friday night and said Whittingham's five-year contract will run through the 2030 season.
Michigan Athletics Director Ward Manuel said that throughout the search for a new coach, Whittingham “consistently demonstrated the qualities we value at Michigan: vision, resilience and the ability to build and maintain championship-caliber teams.”
“Kyle brings not only a proven track record of success, but also a commitment to building a program built on toughness, physical strength, discipline and respect in which student-athletes and coaches represent the university with distinction both on and off the field,” he said in a written statement announcing the deal.
Whittingham announced two weeks ago that he was retiring as Utah's winningest coach, although the 66-year-old did not. rule out coaching again.
“My family and I are thrilled to join the University of Michigan community, and we look forward to helping our players grow, develop and reach their highest potential – on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders,” Whittingham said in a statement Friday. “I’m honored to be a part of something that brings pride to every Wolverine fan.”
It was widely reported that Whittingham was leaving his position in Utah after more than two decades to make way for defensive coordinator Morgan Scully, who was hired in July 2024 How “The head coach is waiting.”
If Whittingham were to return for the 2026 season, it would mark Scully's third year as the named successor. Sculley will now take over the program, Utah State athletics director Mark Harlan said in a statement.
Harlan thanked Whittingham for his contributions and wished him the best in his new role.
“After discussions with Coach Whittingham, his representatives and the University of Michigan, we have granted their request to allow him to join the Michigan program immediately,” he said.
Michigan President Domenico Grasso described Whittingham as “exactly the right fit for the University of Michigan at this time.”
Michigan, major College football's winningest programtrying to right the ship, rocked by scandal.
After two seasons as head coach, the school announced December 10 that Moore was “terminated for cause, effective immediately.”
“Following a university investigation, compelling evidence was discovered that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a school employee,” the school said. “This behavior constitutes a clear violation of university policy, and UM has a zero-tolerance approach to such behavior.”
After being fired, Moore allegedly confronted the employee and threatened to harm herself, telling her that “my blood is on your hands” and that she had “ruined my life.” prosecutors said.
Moore, 39 years old, he was charged with home invasion, stalking, breaking and entering.
November 20, 2023 Michigan suspended assistant football analyst Connor Stalions after the school discovered that he was allegedly filming opponents' games so the Wolverines could decode signals.
Michigan dominated Washington Huskies, 34-13 January 8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston to win the national title, although sign stealing scandal took the shine off that championship ring.
NFL Los Angeles Chargers hired Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh two weeks later.
Former assistant football coach Matthew Weiss was charged with burglary. digital accounts of 3,300 students download intimate photos and videos of them, federal prosecutors said March 30.
The Wolverines, by hiring Whittingham, are getting a coach who has generally run a scandal-free program and won two-thirds of its games without the glamor and resources of West Coast peers like USC and Oregon.
His long journey as head coach of the Utes began when Urban Meyer left Utah to take the top job at Florida. end of 2004.
Whittingham led Utah 177-88 (.668), posting three 10-win seasons over his last five campaigns.
It was not immediately clear whether Whittingham would bring any of his Utah assistants with him to Ann Arbor, a common practice when head coaches change jobs in college football.
Whittingham's replacements include a 14th-year defensive backs coach. Sharrieff Shahwhose student athletes played a key role in Utah's strong pass defense this season.
Shah is married to his ex “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Jen Shah.
No. 15 Utah will play Nebraska on Wednesday. at the Las Vegas Bowl. Michigan, led by interim coach Biff Poggi, will face No. 13 Texas on the day. Citrus bowl.
