The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1542609
FEBRUARY 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 23 The Athletic's Stewart Mandel: "In the span of two weeks, Michigan went from a potentially pro- gram-crippling scandal to the hiring of a future Hall of Fame coach. One coming off a 10-2 season, no less. The knock that Whittingham can't recruit at an elite level is frankly ridiculous and largely irrelevant. He was recruiting at a Big 12 non-blue blood, not Big Ten royalty. Utah was never going to sign top-10 classes. "But there's always some risk when hiring someone who's been at one place for so long, much less someone who has never worked east of Utah. I have no idea whether his approach will translate. But philo- sophically, you know exactly what you're getting from a Whittingham team: toughness and physicality. Very much in the spirit of Michigan's recent national championship coach, but with far less drama." Former Utah And Ohio State Head Coach And FOX Analyst Urban Meyer: "Right now, they need someone to steady that boat because that boat had holes in it. And it's been that way for several years. I get really upset with the guys at FOX sometimes when they say 'Well, everybody's doing it.' "No, everybody's not doing that stuff. No, that's not happening. And so there needs to be a cleansing, and this is the guy to do it. I know he will. 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." ESPN Commentator Paul Finebaum: "It's very good. Considering where this program has been, this is a pretty significant hire for a lot of reasons. Number 1, he brings an enormous record of not just winning on the football field at Utah, but he's a culture builder. He's a physical football coach. "You talk about culture … what program in America needs someone who is strong in culture more than the University of Michigan? More than anyone else, he brings respect back to a program that has lost almost all of it. He brings integrity, and he also brings a very good football mind as long as he gets the right pieces around him, in terms of coordinators." Former Utah Quarterback And NFL Analyst Alex Smith: "Michigan fans are about to find out what I've known since I met Coach Whit as a freshman at Utah: he's a true leader, the ultimate competitor, and most importantly a winner. He's as tough as they come with the character to match. Can't wait to see this next chapter for the Maize and Blue." Former Michigan Offensive Lineman And "Bussin' With The Boys" Host Taylor Lewan: "Congratulations to the University of Michigan on hiring Kyle Whit- tingham as its 22nd head football coach. While I don't know Coach Whittingham personally, every person I've spoken with who has been associated with him speaks about him with the utmost respect. They all say the same thing: he's a man of integrity and character who de- velops players not only on the field, but off it as well. "I truly believe Michigan has found the right leader for its program, and I'm excited to support the team as they compete for College Foot- ball Playoff berths and national championships." ❏ FOX Sports Analyst Joel Klatt said this of Whittingham: "I've got to tell you, this is an incredible fit. … He is a wonderful coach, and he's got the highest integrity. I love the way that his teams play." PHOTO COURTESY UTAH ATHLETICS