Reports: Michigan focuses on Utah's Kyle Whittingham

Field Level Media|published: Fri 26th December, 10:42 2025

Sep 6, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to a play against the Cal Poly Mustangs during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Michigan's coaching search is focused on outgoing Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, multiple outlets reported on Friday.

Whittingham, 66, announced earlier this month that he is stepping down after 21 seasons as the Utes' head coach. He led Utah to a 177-88 record over his tenure, earning one Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year award (2008) and two Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors in 2019 and 2021.

His farewell appearance with No. 15 Utah (10-2) will be against Nebraska (7-5) in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year's Eve.

"The time is right," Whittingham said, noting that he wasn't retiring from coaching. "The opportunity to guide so many talented young men as they pursued their goals -- both on and off the field -- has truly been a blessing."

According to ESPN, top Michigan officials will discuss Whittingham's candidacy on Friday and a deal could happen "in the near future" if he is approved.

Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore with cause on Dec. 10 for having an extramarital relationship with a subordinate in the football program.

Interim coach Biff Poggi will lead the No. 18 Wolverines (9-3) against No. 13 Texas (9-3) in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve in Orlando.

--Field Level Media

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