Michigan’s coaching hunt may soon be over as rumors are pointing to the school possibly hiring current Utah Utes coach Kyle Whittingham. The Utah coaching legend is reportedly in talks with the university about the job, as well as readying the Utes to play during the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
There is talk about him possibly staying in a special role for Utah after this year, as he is set to retire, though the rumors about him joining Michigan instead are growing louder. Should he sign with the Wolverines, there is a possibility that he may not be able to coach the Utes during the Las Vegas Bowl as he must meet with the players before the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.
Michigan and Kyle Whittingham are continuing to progress toward a deal with finalization expected today, sources tell @PeteThamel and me.
If the deal is reached, a decision would be made soon about whether Whittingham would coach Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31.…
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 26, 2025
Now, Michigan is a school known for deep pockets and mega-rich boosters, with fans hoping for another more well-known coach. With the talk of the school possibly hiring former Coach of the Year winner Kyle Whittingham, however, many were not happy as they poured in their reactions on X.
“What a failure of a process for Michigan,” one fan said.
“Must have been a tough holiday with the family to unretire already, 🤣” another fan noted.
“So when does DeBoer go there? Every talking head content farm has been spamming it so I’m waiting patiently,” one X user pointed out.
“Hahahahaha. Plan F was pull a coach out of retirement that doesn’t recruit. Incredible fall,” added another.
“Oh please don’t make me start having to hate Kyle whittingham 💔💔💔 DONT DO IT KING,” tweeted one fan.
“so he might bail on Utah for a paycheck? Classic,” said one fan.
What Kyle Whittingham Said About His Retirement
Kyle Whittingham has caused some confusion on his retirement, though if the Utah coach himself is asked, he says he has not retired yet and is a “free agent.”
“I’m stepping down, step away and reevaluate things. … I’m a free agent, I’m in the transfer portal,” he said.
Whittingham has been the Utah head coach since 2005. While he has not won any national titles, he has had a lot of winning seasons there. He has expressed interest in coaching somewhere else.
Read next:
Is Kyle Whittingham a Right Fit For Michigan? Paul Finebaum Weighs In on Wolverines’ Coaching Search
Kyle Whittingham Contracts: How Much Has Former Utah HC Earned Through Veteran Career?
$87M HC Still Not Completely Out Of Michigan’s Reach If They Just Wait Enough, Claims Rece Davis
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