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By Cole Sullivan
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Just over two weeks ago, the Michigan Wolverines shocked the college football world by firing head coach Sherrone Moore for cause after just two seasons.
As the team prepares for its upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas this week, Michigan named Biff Poggi as interim head coach while intensifying its search for a permanent replacement. That process ultimately led the program to 66-year-old Kyle Whittingham, who agreed to a five-year deal to take over in Ann Arbor.
Whittingham is one of the most respected figures in college football. He spent the last 21 seasons as head coach of the Utah Utes, compiling an impressive 177–88 record during his tenure.
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A close friend of Whittingham’s and a college football legend, Urban Meyer, reacted to the news Monday during an appearance on Fox Sports’ "Wake Up Barstool."
“He called me one day and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ You step down at Utah and then we started talking about the Wolverines,” Meyer said.
“So when Kyle told me that, I said, ‘Kyle, it’s a no-brainer. You can win a national title there,'” Meyer continued. “It’s a hard job. He’s going to be under scrutiny he’s never been under before at Utah. This is a blue-blood program. You can get any player you want.”
“Here’s why Wolverine Nation should be ecstatic: he’s a tough guy — that’s a tough dude. When he was my defensive coordinator back at Utah, he was firm and had high expectations, but he was never demeaning. The players respected him." Meyer said. “I’ll never say the ‘M’ word. I’m never wearing maize and blue. But I’m pulling for Kyle in every other game — except one."
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Meyer spent two seasons as head coach at Utah, with Whittingham serving as his defensive coordinator during that time. When Meyer left for Florida following the 2004 season, he handed the keys to Whittingham, who took over the program.
After leading Utah to a 10–2 record this season, he chose to step down to explore other opportunities, ultimately finding his next home in Ann Arbor.
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