ANN ARBOR — Kyle Whittingham has signed a 5-year deal to be the newest head coach at the University of Michigan, according to ESPN. The deal is reportedly worth $8.2 million per season, with 75% guaranteed.
Whittingham, now 66, has spent the last 32 years at the University of Utah, serving as head coach for the past 21 seasons. He is known for leading the Utes through transitions across three different conferences—Mountain West, Pac-12, and Big 12—and achieving consistent success, including winning the Mountain West title in 2008 and the Pac-12 title twice, in 2021 and 2022. Whittingham has a career record of 177-88 during his 21 full seasons at Utah. He also boasts an 11-6 record in bowl games, and led the Utes to a 10-2 record this year and a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska scheduled for Dec. 31.
He faced Michigan three times in his coaching career, winning all three matchups, including a victory against Jim Harbaugh in his first game at Michigan in 2015. Whittingham’s career includes a record of 24-39 against top 25 teams.
Per CBS Sports, Whittingham is targeting Utah offensive coordinator to come with and take the OC job in Ann Arbor.
Led by Beck, Utah ranks fifth nationally in scoring with an average of 41.1 points per game.
The Wolverines’ roster may look far different heading into next year. Michigan players may enter the portal as soon as Dec. 31, just ahead of the nationwide portal opening on Jan. 2.
Whittingham will reportedly not coach Utah in their bowl game and is expected to join U of M in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl against Texas.