Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Kyle Whittingham Brings New Discipline to Michigan Football
Kyle Whittingham is the new football coach at the University of Michigan.
He wants the team to be organized, punctual and disciplined.
Michigan has recently gone through coaching changes and other problems.
Whittingham previously coached the University of Utah for many years.
He won many games there and decided it was time for a new challenge.
He works out regularly and follows a strict daily routine.
Michigan players say his approach is different from the previous two seasons.
The Wolverines will begin his first season against Western Michigan before playing Oklahoma.
First-year Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham is preparing the No. 16 Wolverines for Saturday’s opener against Western Michigan.
Whittingham was hired after Sherrone Moore’s firing and arrest, following Jim Harbaugh’s departure after Michigan’s 2023 national title.
The 66-year-old former Utah coach has emphasized punctuality, structure and discipline since taking over the program.
Whittingham coached Utah from 2005 through last December, compiling a 177-88 record and winning three conference championships.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood stayed at Michigan after hearing Whittingham’s pitch, while players have praised the coach’s leadership and inherited culture.
- Who
- Kyle Whittingham, the University of Michigan’s first-year head football coach, and the Michigan Wolverines.
- What
- Whittingham is beginning his tenure while imposing a more structured and disciplined approach on the program.
- When
- The Wolverines are scheduled to open Whittingham’s tenure Saturday night; he was hired after events in December.
- Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the University of Michigan.
- Why
- Michigan hired Whittingham after Sherrone Moore was fired and Jim Harbaugh departed, seeking stability after a period of turmoil.
- Michigan ranking
- No. 16
- Season opener
- Western Michigan
- Following opponent
- No. 10 Oklahoma
- Whittingham’s age
- He will turn 67 in November.
- Utah record
- 177-88 as head coach from 2005 through last December.
- Utah achievements
- Eight seasons with at least 10 wins and three conference championships.
- Coaching family
- His brother Freddie coaches Michigan’s tight ends, and his son Alex leads the linebackers.