Kyle Whittingham Explains Decision To Fire Jason Beck, Names Interim Offensive Coordinator

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham wasted little time making a major change to his coaching staff following Saturday night's embarrassing 15-6 loss to Michigan State.

On Sunday, Michigan officially announced that offensive coordinator Jason Beck had been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. Whittingham also confirmed that Jim Harding will serve as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the regular season.

Below is the official release from the University of Michigan and Whittingham:

University of Michigan J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham announced Sunday (Nov. 8) that offensive coordinator Jason Beck has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.

“The results have not matched our desired outcome, and I felt that a change in leadership was required for our offense,” said Whittingham. “We need to put our offensive players and the entire team in the best possible position to be successful.

“We appreciate the hard work and effort that Jason has dedicated to the program,” added Whittingham. “Jason is a great man and coach, and unfortunately, it did not work out the way that we wanted it to at Michigan. We wish Jason and his family nothing but the best in the future.”

Jim Harding will serve as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the regular season.

The decision comes after another disastrous offensive performance in which the Wolverines managed just 192 total yards against Michigan State, including 54 rushing yards. Michigan also committed four turnovers, converted just two of its 10 third-down opportunities and failed to score a point through the first three quarters.

Those struggles have become all too familiar throughout the season.

Despite having talented playmakers at several positions, Michigan has consistently failed to establish an offensive identity. Problems along the offensive line, an ineffective rushing attack and inconsistent quarterback play have contributed to one of the least productive offenses in the Big Ten.

Whittingham made it clear that although the results weren't acceptable, he still holds Beck in high regard.

Now, the responsibility of turning things around falls on Harding, Michigan's offensive line coach, who will take over an offense desperately searching for answers.

Harding's immediate challenge will be finding ways to generate more production from Michigan's struggling offensive line, establish a consistent ground game and put whichever quarterback is on the field in better situations to succeed.

The university also announced that Whittingham will conduct a national search for Michigan's next offensive coordinator, signaling that the Wolverines intend to explore outside options rather than simply making a permanent internal promotion.

For now, however, the priority is salvaging what's left of a disappointing regular season.

Whittingham has made his first major personnel decision. Whether it produces immediate improvement remains to be seen.