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Tannenbaum: Kyle Whittingham brings instant credibility to Michigan (2:36)
Kevin Clark, Mike Tannenbaum and Ryan Clark explain why Kyle Whittingham would be a great hire for Michigan. (2:36)
ESPN
Dec 26, 2025, 04:39 PM ET
Kyle Whittingham has agreed to a five-year deal to become Michigan's next head coach, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel.
Whittingham's deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year over the course of the contract, sources said. The deal is 75% guaranteed, and he's expected to make $8 million in salary in 2026. The deal is expected to be announced later on Friday.
Whittingham is informing the Utah team that he will not be coaching in the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska, sources said. After talking with Utah players in Las Vegas, Whittingham is set to fly to Orlando and get to work as Michigan's head coach.
It was paramount for Michigan that Whittingham get to Orlando to meet with his new team, and the players' family members, to get going on his new job, sources said.
This was all worked out through the cooperative efforts of Utah and Michigan. Morgan Scalley, who was set to take over as Utah's full-time coach for 2026, will coach the Utes in their bowl game.
Whittingham, 66, went 177-88 in 21 seasons at Utah, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008. His résumé, which includes a 66.8% win percentage, is such that he is expected to eventually be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
"Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham !!!!" Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi posted on X. "Proven winner, true gentleman, tough nosed Michigan coach of days gone by."
It was announced Whittingham would step down from the Utah program earlier this month.
Whittingham made clear in public comments that he was not retiring, as he joked he was entering "the transfer portal." The wording of his departure as "stepping down" combined with his comments hinted at another potential head coaching job.
Michigan fired Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 after "credible evidence" emerged he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. After the firing, Moore was arrested and later charged with a third-degree felony for home invasion and two misdemeanors related to going to the staff member's apartment.
