Michigan University announced late Friday the hiring of Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach of its football program, offering the seasoned coach a five-year contract to take over following the dismissal of former coach Sherrone Moore, who was removed amid a scandal.
Athletic director Warde Manuel praised Whittingham as "a well-respected and highly successful head coach," known especially for "exceptional character and principled leadership." Manuel emphasized that throughout the coaching search, Whittingham consistently aligned with Michigan's core values: vision, resilience, and the capacity to develop championship-level teams.
At 66 years old, Whittingham recently announced his decision to step down after a notable 21-year coaching career at the University of Utah. Earlier this month, Utah promoted defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley to head coach, succeeding Whittingham who boasts a school-record 177 victories.
Whittingham clarified that his departure from Utah should not be interpreted as retirement, and swiftly transitioned to his new role at Michigan shortly thereafter.
In a statement, Whittingham commented, "Michigan embodies a tradition and excellence both on and off the field. Our entire program is committed to upholding these values while working together towards greatness."
The Utes, ranked 15th nationally, are scheduled to face Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31 under the leadership of Scalley. Utah’s athletic director Mark Harlan confirmed that the university approved Whittingham’s immediate departure to join Michigan after consultations with all parties involved.
The vacancy at Michigan emerged after Moore was terminated on December 10 following an internal investigation that disclosed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Further controversy followed when Moore was charged with three crimes after aggressive conduct involving the woman with whom he was involved, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
Michigan expedited its coaching search to strengthen recruitment and maintain roster stability, which includes key talents such as quarterback Bryce Underwood, who is considering the transfer portal.
Whittingham’s legacy at Utah spans over two decades, beginning as an assistant coach in 1994 before assuming the head coaching position in December 2004. Over this tenure, he achieved a 177-88 (.668) record, recording 18 winning seasons and eight seasons with 10 or more wins.
His leadership was instrumental during Utah’s transitions between conferences: moving from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 in 2011, and later shifting to the Big 12 in 2024. Each move was followed by competitive successes, including securing back-to-back Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022. Utah rebounded strongly from a 5-7 season in its first Big 12 year to finish 10-2 and tie for third place.
Among the highlights of Whittingham’s coaching career was leading the Utes to an undefeated 2008 season that culminated in a Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. His coaching excellence earned him three national coach of the year honors: the AFCA and Bear Bryant awards in 2008, and the Dodd Trophy in 2019.
A former linebacker at BYU under coach LaVell Edwards from 1978 to 1981, Whittingham expressed heartfelt sentiments toward Utah, stating, "Utah will always hold a special place in my heart," and wishing Scalley and the program continued success through the upcoming transition and beyond.