Itโs been several months since my last blog post, and the world has changed considerably for Michigan football. The loss to Ohio State was dreadful, but expected. Then came the bombshell regarding Sherrone Moore. Thereโs nothing I could add that hasnโt already been said, so Iโll leave that alone.
The last month has involved a coaching search that sparked a range of emotions among Michigan fans and alumni. Early on, Kalen DeBoer was mentioned. DeBoerโs name was closely connected with the Michigan job a few years ago. Bottom line, he still isnโt the Michigan coach.
Kenny Dillinghamโs name was mentioned, as well. Frankly, I wasnโt impressed with Dillingham. Maybe itโs just my opinion, but he didnโt seem to place much focus on defense.
There were several other names tossed around, but the one that always made the most sense to me was Kyle Whittingham. As a Michigan fan with a long memory, I remember his Utah teams beat Michigan teams coached by Rich Rodriguez, Brady Hoke, and Jim Harbaugh. In September 2002 he was the defensive coordinator at Utah, and his defense gave up 361 yards to Michigan, but allowed only 10 points, as the Wolverines topped the Utes 10-7. The game featured a pair of defensive masterminds, Whittingham and veteran Michigan defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann. Whittinghamโs Utah defense gave Michigan a tremendous battle, but the Maize & Blue eked out the win. At the time, most Michigan folks felt pretty good about the direction of the Michigan football program.ย
Following each of those games, particularly the three in which Whittingham was Utahโs head coach, I was very impressed with his coaching abilities. There are moments when fans stop gnashing their teeth after a loss long enough to say, โHey, that other team was pretty good.โ Thatโs how I felt about Whittingham and those Utah teams. After each loss to Utah, I thought โGee, I wish that guy was on our side.โ
Now, he is.
The road ahead wonโt be easy for Michigan. Thereโs a lot of hard work in the next few months, and the college football landscape is changing rapidly. There are plenty of challenges. Whittingham Is 66. Many players have difficulty relating to an older coach. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) continues to alter the mindset of players. Finally, coach Whittingham doesnโt exactly have a lot of recruiting ties to the Midwest. Each one of things could pose some difficulty.ย
Nonetheless, I think Michigan made a spectacular coaching hire. I wonโt mince any words; Whittingham is a tremendous coach whose teams are always toughโand play with strength and vigor to the end of the game, a sign that their strength and conditioning program is excellent. Thatโs a very good sign.
Iโm never one for trash talking, but now, more than ever, Michigan fans should treat their opponents with respect and consideration. Donโt engage in trash talk on Internet message boards or in other forums. Instead, letโs support the staff and the team as they embark on the long road to the 2026 football season.ย
There are many challenges ahead, but there are also many opportunities. Michigan has a solid coach with a fundamentally sound approach. Letโs get to work!
newyorkwolverine.com 