The University of Michigan needs a new head football coach and a recently retired head coach appears to have genuine interest.
Michigan announced last Wednesday that head coach Sherrone Moore was being fired. Moore, who led Michigan to a 9-3 season in Year 2, was fired for having an “inappropriate” relationship with a staff member. Moore, who took over for Jim Harbaugh after the 2023 season, was arrested shortly after his firing, on charges of trespassing and stalking at the home of the woman he had an alleged affair with.
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“Earlier this week, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause for violating University policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” Michigan President Domenico Grasso said in a letter to the school.
“When the findings of a University investigation into Coach Moore’s behavior were presented on Wednesday, we immediately terminated his employment. There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None. I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right.”
Dec 4, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Sherrone Moore (left), head coach Jim Harbaugh (center) and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan needs a new head coach now.
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Who will the Wolverines hire?
While Michigan has been linked to coaches like Kalen DeBoer of Alabama, Clark Lea of Vanderbilt and Jedd Fisch of Washington, a recently-retired head coach reportedly has interest in the opening.
According to a report from Liam Blutman, former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has serious interest in the job.
“Also just fwiw here. Have it on very good authority that Whittingham does have a lot of interest in the Michigan job,” he wrote.
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It’s unclear if Michigan is interested in Whittingham
Whittingham announced his surprise retirement from Utah over the weekend. However, the Michigan job greatly appeals to him.
“I really thought he’d just be done with it after stepping away, I know a lot of us did. But Michigan job really appeals to him Personally idk why either side would do it with where the sport is heading but the man is one heck of a ball coach and human,” Blutman added.
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“Again I only know that Whittingham is interested. I do not know where Michigan stands on Kyle.”
Michigan could certainly do a lot worse.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
