It seems like the Kyle Whittingham saga is not yet truly over for the Utah Utes, as new documents have surfaced that show that a lot more was happening behind the scenes prior to his move to Michigan. The legendary Utah coach, who had led the Utes for 21 seasons, originally planned to retire but suddenly decided not to, eventually taking the vacant Michigan coaching job in the process.
After Utah’s season ended last fall, Whittingham’s agent reportedly told the school that the coach had no plans to retire and wanted a raise for himself and his staff. This led Utah to offer him a one-year contract, but this did not pull through as the coach decided to take the job at Michigan.
After he left, the school agreed to pay their now-former coach a $13.5 million “transition bonus” in three installments over two years, and this was part of their separation agreement. A month later, the first installment of $8 million was paid, even though the school itself did not believe the coach honored their contract and had violated some of its requirements.
This was seen in a letter from Utah athletic director Mark Harlan to Kyle Whittingham. who stated that they were disappointed with the coach’s actions.
“The university felt that your involvement with recruiting our football coaches and staff to Michigan was contrary to the terms of your employment agreement,” the AD wrote.
As the documents surfaced, it was revealed that Whittingham’s agent asked the school for a $1.6 million increase in Whittingham’s salary, a $20 million figure for “NIL”, and an increase of $2 million in his staff salary pool. However, the school could only come up with a $1 million increase for him for a one-year deal, leading to the coach walking away.
Kyle Whittingham Has Higher Ceiling at Michigan
Despite wanting to stay in Utah, as he went out of his way to tell the school he wanted to continue coaching, he ultimately moved to Ann Arbor and is now Michigan’s new head coach.
With Michigan, Whittingham is guaranteed better resources, which would allow him better recruitment options, especially during the NIL era, where NIL offers speak much more.
The coach has expressed his admiration for Michigan’s other programs, particularly hockey and basketball, praising basketball head coach Dusty May’s success. He cited that the success of these programs showed that he could add to this culture of excellence in Michigan sports.
Read More:
Ex Colorado QB Ryan Staub Takes Subtle Shot at $60M Worth Deion Sanders Post Tennessee Transfer
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!
