Michigan hires Whittingham as HC on 5-year deal

Kyle Whittingham was hired as Michigan‘s next head football coach, signing a five-year contract, the school said Friday night.

«Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence — both on the field and beyond — and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together,» Whittingham said in a statement released by the Wolverines.

Whittingham’s deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel. The deal is 75% guaranteed, and Whittingham is expected to make $8 million in salary in 2026.

Whittingham, 66, informed his Utah team on Friday that he will not coach in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on New Year’s Eve, sources told Thamel and Wetzel. After talking with Utah players in Las Vegas, Whittingham was set to fly to Orlando, Florida, and get to work as Michigan coach.

The Wolverines face Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

It was paramount for Michigan that Whittingham get to Florida to meet with his new team, and the players’ family members, to get going on his new job, sources told Thamel and Wetzel.

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement that the school allowed Whittingham to join the Wolverines «immediately» after having discussions with him, his representatives and Michigan.

Morgan Scalley, Utah’s defensive coordinator who was set to take over as full-time coach for 2026, will coach the Utes in their bowl game.

Whittingham went 177-88 in 21 seasons at Utah, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008. His résumé, which includes a 66.8% win percentage, is such that he is expected to eventually be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

«Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham !!!!» Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi posted on X. «Proven winner, true gentleman, tough nosed Michigan coach of days gone by.»

It was announced Whittingham would step down from the Utah program earlier this month.

Whittingham made clear in public comments that he was not retiring, as he joked he was entering «the transfer portal.» The wording of his departure as «stepping down» combined with his comments hinted at another potential head coaching job.

Michigan fired Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 after «credible evidence» emerged he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. After the firing, Moore was arrested and later charged with a third-degree felony for home invasion and two misdemeanors related to going to the staff member’s apartment.