Michigan has signed former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to a five-year contract, replacing the fired Sherrone Moore.
Michigan Secures a New Head Coach
Two people familiar with the situation told the Associated Press on anonymity that Michigan agreed to the deal with Whittingham. The move had not yet been announced, and the AP was contacted Friday.
Whittingham’s Utah Legacy
Whittingham stepped down after 21 seasons at Utah, where he posted a 177-88 (.668) record. He joined the Utes’ staff in 1994 and became head coach in December 2004. Under his guidance, Utah earned 18 winning seasons and won at least 10 games eight times.
Whittingham steered the program through two conference transitions: from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 in 2011, and from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 in 2024. The Utes captured back-to-back Pac-12 titles and appeared in the Rose Bowl in 2021 and 2022. After a 5-7 first Big 12 season, Utah finished 10-2 this year, tying for third place in the league. In 2008, the Utes capped an undefeated season with a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama.
He earned three national coach-of-the-year honors, including the AFCA and Bear Bryant awards in 2008 and the Dodd Trophy in 2019.
Sherrone Moore’s Fallout
Moore was fired on December 10 after an investigation uncovered an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Two days later, prosecutors charged him with three crimes, saying he “barged his way” into the apartment of the woman he was having an affair with and threatened to kill himself.
Impact for Michigan
Michigan hoped to hire a new coach this month to help keep recruits and key players-such as quarterback Bryce Underwood-out of the transfer portal. Whittingham’s appointment is expected to strengthen the program’s stability and recruiting appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan signs Kyle Whittingham to a five-year head-coach contract.
- Whittingham leaves Utah after a 177-88 record and 21 seasons.
- Sherrone Moore was fired and charged with three crimes.
The new arrangement marks a fresh start for Michigan’s football program, with Whittingham’s experience poised to guide the team forward.
