'Go Blue!' University of Michigan hires Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as next head coach
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - The University of Michigan has officially named its next head football coach after weeks of searching following the firing and arrest of ex-coach Sherrone Moore.
Big picture view:
The Michigan Wolverines needed to name a new head coach before the opening of the transfer portal on Jan. 2, and on Friday the Maize and Blue made their move.
Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham will become the next football coach at Michigan.
The 66-year-old announced last month that he was stepping down as the coach of the Utes, but that he would do so after the Las Vegas Bowl, though that now seems unlikely. Whittingham has gone 177–88 in 21 years at Utah. He has been a very consistent winner and should be a good fit in Ann Arbor, where a culture change is so sorely needed.
"We are honored to lead the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent Michigan Football each day," said Whittingham. "Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence—both on the field and beyond—and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together. My family and I are thrilled to join the University of Michigan community, and we look forward to helping our players grow, develop, and reach their highest potential—on the gridiron, in the classroom, and as leaders. It’s a privilege to be part of something that inspires pride in every Wolverine fan. Go Blue!"
The backstory:
The decision comes weeks after Michigan fired ex-head coach Sherrone Moore after the school said it found that he had engaged in "an inappropriate relationship with a staff member." He was arrested later that day after allegedly breaking into that staffer's apartment and threatening to kill himself in front of her.
According to the prosecution during his arraignment, Moore, who is married, allegedly had an affair for years with a staff member. After that person broke off the relationship, Moore allegedly texted and called her repeatedly, leading to her reporting what happened to the university, on Dec. 8.
Once Moore learned of his termination, he allegedly went to her Pittsfield Township apartment, broke in, grabbed several butter knives and kitchen scissors before threatening to harm himself.
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What's next:
Whittingham will get a five-year deal. No other terms have been leaked as of now, but the expectation is that negotiations will be wrapped up later Friday.
The question now is, will this hire affect players like QB Bryce Underwood?
Many will be eager to see how that situation resolves itself.
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