After a much-publicized firing of its football coach and ensuing search for his replacement, Michigan seems to have found who next to lead its program.
The Wolverines are finalizing a deal to bring longtime Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired on Dec. 10 and subsequently charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering on Dec. 12 — the same day Whittingham abruptly announced he was stepping down from Utah after 21 seasons leading the program.
The timing works well for Michigan, not only in the fact a well-established coach became available to lead the program following Moore’s firing, but also in that the Wolverines can minimize the damage that may be done via the transfer portal.
NCAA rules allow players of teams to enter their names into the transfer portal five days after a new coach is hired. If Michigan were to officially announce the hiring on Friday, Dec. 26, Michigan players could enter their names into the portal on Dec. 31 — only two days before the 15-day portal opens for the rest of the country on Jan. 2.
Early reports indicate that Whittingham may also be in Orlando for Michigan’s Citrus Bowl matchup vs. Texas, which kicks off a half-hour before Utah and Nebraska face off in the Las Vegas Bowl. It is unclear whether Whittingham will finish the season with the Utes or, potentially, get a head start getting to know his new team.
Here is how social media is reacting to the news Michigan is finalizing a deal to hire Whittingham: