New hires like Jay Hill and Koy Detmer Jr. bolster the Wolverines' staff. Freddie Whittingham's arrival signals a significant shift toward the "Utah model."
Michigan Football continues to add changes to their staff under the helm of new head coach Kyle Whittingham. As of most recent the program has announced the hiring of three key coaches in defensive coordinator Jay Hill from BYU, quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. from Utah, and tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham from Utah. Although these hires may not be surprising to hear, they are equally as important for the program moving forward. Here is some background of Michigan Football staffs newest additions.
Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill
Per the BYU athletics:
Years at BYU
2022-Jaunaury 2026
Coaching Experience
- BYU associate head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach (2022-present)
- Weber State head coach (2014-22)
- Utah tight ends coach (2007-09; 2013)
- Utah running backs coach (2012)
- Utah cornerbacks coach (2005-06; 2010-11)
Bowl Games Coached
- At Utah: Las Vegas (2015), Las Vegas Bowl (2014), Sun Bowl (2011),Las Vegas (2010), Poinsettia (2009), Sugar Bowl (2008), Poinsettia (2007), Armed Forces (2006), Emerald Bowl (2005)
Coaching Notes
- Coached Eric Weddle who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and went on to became a Pro Bowl safety
- Coached Lou Sakoda who was a Lou Groza (kicker) and Ray Guy (punter) finalist in 2008
- Coached Shaky Smithson who led the nation in punt returns yards in 2010
- Helped coach NFL draft picks Sean Smith, Brice McCain, R.J. Stanford and Brandon Burton
Playing Career
- Ricks College (1996-97)
- Junior College All-American
- Junior College All-American
- Utah cornerback (1998-99)
- Led the MWC in interceptions; named Second Team MWC (1999)
- Utah Defensive MVP (1999)
- Led the MWC in interceptions; named Second Team MWC (1999)
- Utah Defensive MVP (1999)
- Played in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants
- Played briefly in the XFL
Education
- University of Utah (2000, B.A. Spanish)
- University of Utah (2005, M.A. ESS/Sports Psychology)
Hometown
- Lehi, Utah
Quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr.
Key Details of the Hire
- The Utah Connection: Detmer Jr. spent the 2025 season at Utah as an offensive analyst working directly with the quarterbacks. He is a trusted lieutenant of Jason Beck, having worked under him at Syracuse, New Mexico, and Utah.
- Coaching Lineage: He is the son of former NFL quarterback Koy Detmer and the nephew of Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer. This "football royalty" background is often cited as a key factor in his high football IQ and development as a young coach.
- Career Path: * Texas A&M Kingsville: Began his coaching career as a wide receivers and running backs coach.
- Syracuse/New Mexico: Served as a graduate assistant and analyst, helping Jason Beck oversee significant offensive improvements.
- Michigan (2026): He joins a revamped Wolverines staff tasked with modernizing the offense after a 9-4 finish in the 2025 season.
Tight Ends Coach Freddie Whittingham
Following the appointment of Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach at Michigan, his brother, Freddie Whittingham, has reportedly joined the staff as the Tight Ends Coach. This move is a centerpiece of a larger staff migration from the University of Utah to Ann Arbor for the 2026 season.
Career Background & Utah Legacy
Freddie Whittingham spent the last 14 seasons at Utah, serving as the Tight Ends Coach and Recruiting Coordinator since 2016. Before coaching, he spent four years as the Utes' Director of Player Personnel.
- TE Development: He is widely regarded as one of the premier tight end developers in the country. He coached Dalton Kincaid, a 2023 NFL first-round pick, and four-time All-Conference selection Brant Kuithe.
- Offensive Impact: Under his watch, Utah’s offense became famous for its heavy use of "12" and "13" personnel (multiple tight end sets). Over the last five seasons at Utah, his tight ends accounted for roughly 32% of the team's total receiving yardage.
- Recruiting: As the recruiting coordinator for the Utes, he was instrumental in building the physical, blue-collar roster identity that Kyle Whittingham is now expected to implement at Michigan.
Impact on Michigan
Whittingham replaces Steve Casula and is expected to bring a more central role for the tight end position in the Wolverines' new offense under coordinator Jason Beck.
His arrival is seen as a major win for Michigan's roster retention, particularly for players like Zack Marshall, who was originally recruited by the Whittingham brothers at Utah. His hire reinforces Michigan's shift toward the "Utah model" of physical, trench-based football paired with elite tight end production.