New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham resets football culture with inspiring message originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Michigan Wolverines hiring Kyle Whittingham isn’t just a breath of fresh air. It’s the definition of a complete foundational rebuild.
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Whittingham was announced as the team’s coach Friday, replacing Sherrone Moore. Whittingham was previously the coach of the Utah Utes for over two decades before accepting the Wolverines’ job. Upon accepting the position, Whittingham made it clear what his intentions are centered on, leading consistently.
“Michigan fans, coach Kyle Whittingham,” Whittingham said in a video on ‘X. ‘ “Honored to be here, honored to be the football coach of this great university. Can’t wait to get working with our players, getting to know them and getting Michigan football to where it should be.”
Whittingham released a much longer statement, too, further emphasizing where he’d like to see the program head.
“We are honored to lead the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent Michigan Football each day,” Whittingham said. “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!”
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AD Warde Manuel echoed those words.
“Kyle Whittingham is a well-respected and highly successful head coach who is widely recognized as a leader of exceptional character and principled leadership,” Manuel said. “Throughout our search, he consistently demonstrated the qualities we value at Michigan: vision, resilience, and the ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams. Kyle brings not only a proven track record of success, but also a commitment to creating a program rooted in toughness, physicality, discipline and respect—where student-athletes and coaches represent the university with distinction both on and off the field. We are excited to welcome Kyle to the University of Michigan family as he takes the helm of our football program.”
Ultimately, it seems the Wolverines are happy with how they view Whittingham. Whether it translates to wins, though, is a different story.
