Kyle Whittingham, who has led the Utah football program for the past two decades, is reportedly a prime candidate to take over as the 22nd head coach of Michigan, according to a source who spoke with The Detroit News on Friday.
During a meeting on Friday morning, Warde Manuel, the athletic director for Michigan, is expected to provide updates to the university”s Board of Regents regarding the ongoing coaching search. While the Regents will be briefed on the process and potential candidates, they will not be voting or making any hiring decisions at this time.
Another source indicated that Michigan is particularly interested in appointing a “sitting head coach.” At 66 years old, Whittingham boasts an impressive record of 177-88, making him the most successful coach in Utah”s history since he assumed the role prior to the 2005 season. Earlier this month, he announced his decision to step down but humorously stated he was still open to coaching opportunities, likening himself to being in the “transfer portal.”
The search for a new head coach at Michigan was prompted by the firing of Sherrone Moore on December 10, following a university investigation that uncovered credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore had recently concluded his second season in that role.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi informed reporters on Monday that Manuel expressed a desire to have a new head coach in place before the upcoming bowl game. Michigan is set to face Texas on Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl, while Utah will also compete on the same day in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Whittingham”s track record speaks for itself. Under his leadership, the Utes have achieved 18 winning seasons and recorded at least 10 victories in eight of those seasons. He has received three national Coach of the Year awards, with the latest being awarded in 2019.
A significant factor in the timing of the coaching search is the NCAA transfer portal, which opens on January 2. Players and their families have expressed concerns about Michigan not engaging in negotiations until a new head coach is appointed. The timing is crucial, as the portal opens just five days after a new head coach is expected to be hired.
Manuel and his team are working diligently to keep details of the search under wraps. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama, is believed to be a top candidate but is currently focused on coaching in the playoffs, with the Tide”s next game scheduled for January 1. Kenny Dillingham, the head coach at Arizona State, was also in consideration but opted to sign an extension with his alma mater after not receiving an offer from Michigan. Poggi has confirmed this week that he interviewed for the head coaching position.
