Kyle Whittingham's task is clear: to steady the ship at Michigan, a program tainted by scandal.
Kyle Whittingham was hired by Warde Manuel to lead Michigan's football team, a move that comes a year after turmoil. The 66-year-old former Utah frontman is tasked with ameliorating a program marred by controversy.
Michigan's issues began when former head coach Sherrone Moore was arrested and fired in December for an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member. Moore's two-season stint at the helm started when he took over for Jim Harbaugh, who was in charge when the Wolverines were marred by their infamous sign-stealing scheme. The ploy resulted in a national title for Michigan in the 2023 season.
Whittingham, who enjoyed a 21-season run as Utah's head coach, described taking the offer to lead Michigan as a "no-brainer." He added that his team is "hungry" and that they've been through a lot in the last four or five years.
At Big Ten media days, Whittingham set the bar for Year 1 success when he said that if his team is playing meaningful games in November, that would be a successful season. However, he tempered expectations, noting that the Wolverines are a work-in-progress in the depth department and are adapting to a new scheme and culture.
Junior running back Jordan Marshall illustrated the scene of an early team meeting Whittingham held. Marshall recounted that Whittingham was like, "You're allowed to be upset, mad, whatever you want about the situation, but it's over now. And there's a new chapter." Marshall emphasized how punctual Whittingham is, which has been infectious among the team.
Senior defensive tackle Trey Pierce, a team captain, said more of the same, pointing to how Whittingham has ushered in a much-needed degree of discipline. Pierce conveyed that players are no longer waiting for the coaching staff to correct them, but are stepping up and holding each other accountable.
Whittingham's Utah operation was built on structure and discipline. He co-coached the Utes to a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2004 and later became Urban Meyer's full-time successor. Whittingham said that players thrive on structure and discipline, and that's what the Wolverines are focusing on now.
Whittingham said that when he arrived on campus, he was "pleasantly surprised" by the players' yearn to improve. However, he soon realized they had a long way to go, especially in terms of physicality. The players, including Marshall and Pierce, are taking ownership of the team and are adapting to Whittingham's new scheme and culture.
Michigan's season is set to begin, and Whittingham's task is to bring stability to Ann Arbor. He's aiming to make the Wolverines a College Football Playoff team, but that will depend on the team's progress in the depth department and their ability to adapt to the new scheme and culture.
Source: Yahoo Sports
