Utah's legendary defensive mastermind lands in Ann Arbor, tasked with restoring order and reigniting the Wolverines' championship aspirations.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The search is over, and the "transfer portal" has delivered its biggest prize yet to the Big House.
In a move that sends shockwaves through the college football landscape, the University of Michigan officially announced on Friday, December 26, 2025, the hiring of Kyle Whittingham as the 22nd head coach in program history. The 66-year-old former Utah legend, widely regarded as one of the most respected and disciplined minds in the sport, has signed a five-year contract to stabilize a program that has spent the last month reeling from unprecedented off-field controversy.
Pete Thamel recently announced Kyle Whittingham’s five-year deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year over the course of the deal. The deal is 75-percent guaranteed, and he’s expected to make $8 million in salary at Michigan in 2026.
Restoring Order in Ann Arbor
The hire comes just sixteen days after the university fired Sherrone Moore for cause on December 10. Moore’s tenure, which began with such promise following the 2023 National Championship, ended in a dark cloud of legal and ethical turmoil. Following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, Moore was arrested on felony charges of home invasion and stalking.
For a university administration that has faced mounting pressure to "clean up" the program's image after years of NCAA inquiries and staff turnover, Whittingham represents a total pivot toward maturity.
The Legend of "Sack Lake City" Comes East
Whittingham arrives in Ann Arbor with a resume that is virtually peerless among active coaches. In 21 seasons at Utah, he amassed a 177–88 record, transforming a mid-major program into a perennial Power Four heavyweight. Known for his "Sack Lake City" defenses and a physical, run-first offensive identity, Whittingham’s philosophy mirrors the "Michigan Man" ethos that fans have craved since the departure of Jim Harbaugh.
Just weeks ago, Whittingham had "stepped down" at Utah, famously telling reporters he was simply "entering the transfer portal" rather than retiring. While many expected him to wait for a Southern California opening, the lure of the Big House and the chance to cement his Hall of Fame legacy at a blue-blood program proved too much to ignore.
Immediate Challenges and the Citrus Bowl
While interim coach Biff Poggi is still expected to lead the No. 18 Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl against Texas on New Year’s Eve, Whittingham is expected to be in the building immediately to address the roster.
His first task will be roster retention. With the winter transfer portal set to open on January 2, all eyes are on freshman star quarterback Bryce Underwood. Sources close to the program indicate that the Whittingham hire has already been met with "enthusiastic approval" from key players and boosters, potentially stemming a mass exodus of talent.
It was reported by Pete Thamel that Whittingham is to address his former Utah team and announce that he will not be coaching them in their Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on December 31st. This is exciting news for Michigan players, coaches, and fans as it shows the utmost commitment to his job immediately.
A Bridge to the Future
At 66, Whittingham is not a twenty-year hire, but he provides the crucial "bridge" Michigan needs. By bringing in a veteran with a "tough-as-nails" reputation, Michigan is betting that a few years of Whittingham’s discipline will allow the program to groom a successor—potentially a high-level assistant like Ravens OC Todd Monken, whose name was also floated during the search—while keeping the Wolverines in the hunt for a 12-team playoff spot.
For the Michigan faithful, the "Whitt" Way starts now. It won't be flashy, and it won't be quiet, but if history is any indication, it will be winning football.