ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Kyle Whittingham, head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team, recently spoke with Urban Meyer, former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach, about his decision to take the Michigan job after stepping down from Utah.
Whittingham said he still had plenty of energy and was drawn to Michigan’s tradition and potential.
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Whittingham explained, “I had stepped down at Utah. We had a great run there. I wanted to leave on a positive note, but again, I felt like I had tons of energy. Michigan was on that list. They called, or somehow them and my agent got together when I got the word that there was interest, I jumped at that opportunity.”
Whittingham acknowledged the challenges Michigan has faced recently but said the players have handled the situation well.
“It wasn’t their fault. They kept working through the whole thing. They’re eager, and we’ve got a big team meeting tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. to get this thing started.”
Whittingham praised the character and academic focus of the current team, sharing that he spent over 20 hours interviewing players at the bowl site in Orlando.
“What a great group of young men, high character, all tuned into their academics,” Whittingham said. “I’m excited to get started with them.”
Discussing his coaching staff, Whittingham emphasized continuity and trust.
“We kept three coaches from the previous staff,” Whittingham said. “Tony Alford, Lou Esposito, and Kerry Coombs. I’ve surrounded myself with guys I know and trust, many for 20 plus years.”
Whittingham highlighted key staff members from Utah who joined him at Michigan, including offensive coordinator Jason Beck, receiver coach Micah Simon, quarterback coach Koy Detmer Jr., and offensive line coach Jim Harding.
“Jason Beck is the architect of that offense,” Whittingham said. “It’s a user-friendly offense with the portal; you’d better have schemes players can adapt to quickly.”
Whittingham also praised defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who moved from BYU to join Michigan.
“Guys I trust and believe in all over the place here,” Whittingham said.
On the intense Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, Whittingham said, “It’s the biggest rivalry in the country. It’s not hard to be educated about that when it’s been front and center my whole college career.”
Bryce Underwood
Regarding quarterback Bryce Underwood’s development, Whittingham noted the importance of coaching.
“There was no dedicated quarterback coach working with him daily,” Whittingham said. “He’s a young man, 17 years old. We’re already working on fundamentals and technique. He’s got a ton of upside.”
Whittingham confirmed Underwood’s commitment to Michigan and said it helped stabilize recruiting.
→ Michigan football quarterback Bryce Underwood announces decision on future after coaching change
NIL
On the topic of NIL and salary caps in college football, Whittingham said Michigan boosters have stepped up financially.
“It’s a different world,” Whittingham said. “I don’t think this model is sustainable. It’s going to have to turn into a sort of NFL minor league with a salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, players becoming employees.”
Non-conference schedule
Finally, Whittingham shared his thoughts on non-conference scheduling.
“I think you’re going to see a super conference develop where they probably just play each other. But still, hang on to a competitive game, a game you should win, and a middle-of-the-road game. That’s probably the best approach right now,” Whittingham said.
The conversation ended on a friendly note with Meyer and Whittingham joking about their sports competitions and Whittingham inviting Meyer to ski.