Just over two weeks ago, the Michigan Wolverines shocked the college football world by unexpectedly firing Sherrone Moore for cause after just two seasons with the program.
Now, on Friday, they’ve officially named their next head coach, agreeing to a five-year deal with 66-year-old Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham has spent the last 21 seasons as head coach of the Utah Utes, compiling a 177–88 record over that span.
One of the most respected coaches in college football, Whittingham emerged as the perfect candidate for a Wolverines program whose integrity has been questioned over the past few seasons. Athletic director Warde Manuel wasted no time finalizing the hire.
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Reacting to the news on Friday night was current interim head coach Biff Poggi, who will lead the team through their upcoming bowl game against the Texas Longhorns on Dec. 31.
“Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham!!!!” Poggi wrote. “Proven winner, true gentleman, tough-nosed Michigan coach of days gone by. Great hire by Warde Manuel. The kids will love him. Exciting days ahead for Michigan. We have work to do over the next five days. Texas is excellent. Go Blue.”
Poggi is well-respected in Ann Arbor and has remained with the Maize and Blue since rejoining the program as an associate coach in 2021.
It’s unclear if he will be part of Whittingham’s staff, but Poggi has stepped into major roles within the Wolverines program when needed. One notable example came earlier this season, while Moore served a suspension stemming from the sign-stealing scandal under Jim Harbaugh, when Poggi led the team to a huge road victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
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