Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Michigan Wolverines reportedly focus on Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore as head coach, following Moore’s dismissal amid legal and personal controversies.
As reported by Scott Thompson of Fox News, former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as a leading candidate for the Michigan Wolverines football team after Sherrone Moore’s firing.
Who could replace Sherrone Moore as Michigan’s head coach?
According to reports, ex-Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who will retire after 21 seasons following the December 31 bowl game, has become the “focus of Michigan’s coaching search.”
Michigan officials are expected to review Whittingham’s candidacy, with a potential deal likely to follow soon after.
During his 20-year tenure, Whittingham reached a 177-88 record, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008, and many project him as a future College Football Hall of Famer.
He joked during his retirement announcement that he was entering “the transfer portal” instead of officially stepping away from coaching.
Under Whittingham, Utah secured back-to-back Pac-12 championships and played in the Rose Bowl in both 2021 and 2022.
After a 5-7 season in 2024, Utah experienced its first losing season in over a decade but rebounded with a 10-2 record in 2025. Whittingham, a former BYU player, joined Utah’s coaching staff in 1994 and became head coach in 2005 after Urban Meyer’s departure.
The new Michigan football coach will face the challenge of fixing a program that interim coach Biff Poggi called a “malfunctioning organization.”
Michigan has repeatedly breached NCAA rules in recent years and could face a fine of over $30 million for operating an unauthorized sign-stealing scheme.
Whittingham was recognized at Utah for leading a tough, well-disciplined program. With no prior ties to Michigan, his hiring would represent a fresh start after Jim Harbaugh. His teams are known for physical defense and strong line play, aligning with Michigan’s recent style.
He would take over a talented roster led by QB Bryce Underwood, the top recruit of 2025, but NIL rules and the transfer portal could make maintaining cohesion difficult.
Last year, Whittingham said,
“It’s constantly in flux and I don’t want to say it’s like you’re hiring mercenaries every year, but it’s a situation where, again, you got to collect as much talent as quickly as you can and then hope it jells and comes together and you get results.”
After leaving Utah, he admitted he was not sure of his next step but added,
“When you’ve got coaching in your blood, it just doesn’t go away.”
Whittingham stated,
“It’s stepping down, step away, reevaluate things and see where we’re at. I’m a free agent. I’m in the transfer portal.”
He added,
“Like I said, I’m at peace. I did not want to be that guy that overstayed his welcome and people just say, ‘Hey, when’s this guy gonna leave?’ That was not my intention, ever. I hope I didn’t do that. I’m sure with some people I did do that, but to me, the timing is right.”
Why was Sherrone Moore fired?
Sherrone Moore was dismissed by Michigan following reports of an inappropriate relationship and was arrested for allegedly entering the staffer’s residence and threatening self-harm.
After the breakup, Moore allegedly reached out to the staffer by phone and text, prompting her to involve the University of Michigan in its investigation. He was later fired, and prosecutors claim this led him to go to her residence.
According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly forced his way into the staffer’s residence, grabbed a butter knife and kitchen scissors, and threatened to take his own life, telling her, “My blood is on your hands” and “You ruined my life.”
Moore could face more than five years in prison if found guilty, diminishing his chance of returning to coaching. His next court date is set for January 22. A not guilty plea was entered at his first court appearance.
A former Michigan insider said,
“Guys over there on that side of the building 100% knew about it. They can deny it all they want, but there’s too many things that happened. If you didn’t know, you’re an idiot. It was too obvious.”
When is Michigan’s next game?
The Michigan Wolverines football team’s next game is in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the 13 Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
The game will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The following key players are expected to play the next game:
Michigan Wolverines
- Bryce Underwood (QB)
- Jordan Marshall (RB)
- Andrew Marsh (WR)
- Donaven McCulley (WR)
- Ernest Hausmann (LB)
- Jimmy Rolder (LB)
- Zeke Berry (DB)
- Marlin Klein (TE)
Texas Longhorns
- Arch Manning (QB)
- Quintrevion Wisner (RB)
- Ryan Wingo (WR)
- Emmett Mosley V (WR)
- Jack Endries (TE)
- Jelani McDonald (DB)
- Colin Simmons (EDGE)
- Kobe Black (DB)