The Michigan Wolverines will enter next season with Kyle Whittingham leading the team after he signed a five-year contract as their new football head coach. Former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer believes Whittingham is the right man for the job.
Whittingham went 177-88 in 21 seasons at Utah, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008, and he will be looking to bring that success to the Wolverines as the team looks to get back into the College Football Playoff for the 2026 season.
In a Jan. 6 video from the “The Triple Option” show, Meyer stated his belief that, after all that’s gone on at Michigan, Whittingham can get the program back on the right track.
“Right now, they need someone to study that boat, because there’s a time that boat had holes in it,” Meyer said. “It’s been that way for several years. There needs to be a cleansing. There needs to be, and this is the guy to do it.
“I know who he’s hiring. He’s already told me he’s going to hire a hell of a staff, and he’s going to give everything he can for five years and try to get that program right and go lift the ultimate prize.”
Michigan Will Have Its Starting QB Back for 2026 Season
On Jan. 5, Whittingham received good news as he began his Michigan tenure: Bryce Underwood announced his intention to return for his sophomore season with the Wolverines.
Underwood completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while adding 392 rushing yards and six scores. During the Citrus Bowl broadcast on Dec. 31, the new Michigan head coach, who joined ESPN, shared his thoughts on his young signal-caller.
“Terrific kid,” Whittingham said when asked about whether he’s already met Underwood. “Just carries himself the right way, carries himself like a quarterback to carry himself as that it factor. In addition, had a chance to meet with his parents. Great parents, great family. He’s the right man to lead this football team.”
Underwood grew up in Belleville, just a short drive from Michigan’s campus. He originally committed to LSU but flipped his pledge to Michigan in November 2024. While Moore and the previous staff first pursued him, Underwood said he felt encouraged by the hiring of Whittingham.
“I was actually pretty excited,” he said last month. “Just really excited to see what he does for the University of Michigan.”
The Michigan standout will join Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck at Michigan. Beck is one of several staff members who came with him from the Utah Utes football program.
Kyle Whittingham’s Michigan Contract Details
ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel reported on Dec. 26, citing sources, that Whittingham’s deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year. Moreover, the report reveals that the former Utah Utes head coach’s contract is 75 percent guaranteed, and Whittingham is expected to make $8 million in salary in 2026.
“Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence — both on the field and beyond — and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together,” Whittingham said in a statement released by the Wolverines.
Urban Meyer Fires Strong Take on Michigan, Kyle Whittingham