Newly-minted Michigan Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham is getting confused reactions over his first message in his new role after a couple of decades with his former program. On Saturday, Dec. 27, @UMichFootball on X/Twitter uploaded a 14-second video of Whittingham wherein he is addressing the Wolverines faithful for the first time ever while wearing a dark blue University of Michigan cap.
In his message then, Whittingham asserts how excited he is for his new journey with the program, and is pumped to get to know his whole team, from its players to his staff. Whittingham opted to transfer to the Wolverines back on Friday, Dec. 27, after spending 20 years with the Utah Utes from 2005 to 2025. In that span, Whittingham spent 21 seasons with the team overall.
“ Michigan fans, coach Kyle Whittingham, honored to be here, honored to be the football coach at this great university. Can’t wait to get working with our players, getting to know them, and get Michigan football to where it should be,” Whittingham said.
Michigan fans, meet Coach Whittingham. Let’s get to work! 〽️ pic.twitter.com/rg4cWYEzYv
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 28, 2025
College football fans and spectators are then left confused as for them, it seems as though the coach Whittingham in the video is not the usual one they are accustomed to.
“This feels weird! Is this a variant of Kyle Whittingham?,” one fan questioned.
“That ain’t Kyle Whittingham that’s Kurt Whittingham, crazy he’s making his CFB debut at such a big job,” another fan shared.
“This has gotta be AI. 😳,” another user wrote with an emoji.
“Not gonna lie, this is weird to see, but I wish him all the success in the world. You’ll forever be an Utah Man, Coach! Thanks for everything and good luck at Michigan!,” a fan exclaimed.
Other users all over X/Twitter are then giving their recommendations on how Whittingham can integrate himself into the University of Michigan immediately.
“Please get this man some Michigan swag. #GoBlue,” one fan said.
“If this guy assembles the staff that’s being rumored and our players stay, we are a legit college football playoff team next season. Book it!,” another fan posted.
“Let’s get his X profile fixed and get him a blue verified badge please. STAT,” a fan asserted.
The Wolverines fired their previous head coach, Sherrone Moore, back on Dec. 11 after just one whole season under his tutelage, as Moore is currently in the midst of a legal case involving him and an inappropriate relationship with a University of Michigan staffer, among other allegations. In the recently-concluded 2025 regular season, Michigan finished with an overall record of 9-3 (7-2 Big Ten).
Kyle Whittingham Only Had Two Losses In His Final Campaign With The Utah Utes
As seen and stated by onlookers everywhere, Kyle Whittingham is a beloved tactician by the Utah Utes faithful, as fans are presumably disheartened to see him depart. Nevertheless, coach Whittingham made a lasting impression by leading the Utes to an impressive regular season record of 10-2 (7-2 Big 12). While the team did not make it into postseason play, they will play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Read more:
Kyle Whittingham’s Family: A Look Inside the Former Utah Coach’s Personal Life
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