Kyle Whittingham has become the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines after 21 years serving at Utah. The Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 and asked Biff Poggi to take care of the interim. After a long search, they found Whittingham fitting for the job just in time for the recruiting season.
After being hired, Whittingham is searching for a new defensive coordinator, and Jay Hill’s name is getting attention.
Is Kyle Whittingham’s Former Assistant Jay Hill Going to Michigan?
According to CBS Sports, Michigan and Kyle Whittingham are planning to hire Jay Hill as their next defensive coordinator. Hill had an incredible season with the BYU Cougars as a defensive coordinator, leading the program top 25 nationally in scoring defense.
That said, no official agreement has been announced yet, and Hill remains under contract with BYU for now.
Michigan is planning to hire BYU’s Jay Hill as its new defensive coordinator under Kyle Whittingham, sources tell @CBSSports.
Hill, who has a longstanding relationship with Kyle Whittingham, led the way as BYU finished its season ranked top 25 nationally in scoring defense. https://t.co/hoW9kYAe3k pic.twitter.com/HuS7WUphmP
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 28, 2025
The relationship between Jay Hill and Kyle Whittingham runs deep. Under the current Michigan head coach, Hill served as a longtime assistant at Utah (2001–2013), working various roles such as cornerbacks and special teams coach. He is noted for his contribution in making BYU one of the strongest defensive programs in the Big 12.
Whittingham has struck a five-year deal with Michigan to become their 22nd head coach. In his first formal interaction, the head coach emphasized putting relationships and culture at the center of his coaching style. He looks forward to spending time with players, understanding them and gaining their trust so that they don’t lose them in the transfer portal.
“Immediate priorities — roster retention,” Whittingham said. “You (have to) meet with these young men. In this day and age in college football, the transfer portal is opening up in about five days. That is absolutely job one, is to make sure that I get in front of these young men and tell them what I’m all about, find out what they’re all about. And that would go for the incoming recruits as well. Gotta get on the phone, they’re not here physically yet, but get on the phone with the class that we just signed.”
Despite already hired, Whittingham won’t be the Wolverines’ coach for their upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.
Read More News:
Is Joey Aguilar Playing Today In The Music City Bowl? Tennessee QB’s Status Explored
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
