Top target emerges in Michigan head coach search

The Michigan Wolverines appear to have settled on their top target as they search for a new head coach.

Former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as Michigan’s primary target, according to Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel of ESPN. A contract could come together quickly if top Michigan officials approve his candidacy on Friday.

Whittingham, 66, would not necessarily be a long-term solution for the Wolverines. He would, however, bring some much-needed stability to a program that has dealt with too many off-field scandals over the past several years. He has also been a consistent winner for the better part of two decades, having posted a 177-88 record in his career at Utah.

Whittingham had announced earlier this month that he was stepping down as head coach of the Utes. He strongly indicated, however, that he had no plans to retire. Sure enough, he was linked to the Michigan job within roughly a week of that announcement.

The Wolverines are believed to want a head coach in place before the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2. The timing of Sherrone Moore’s dismissal left the school in a tough spot, so it works out nicely for them that a well-respected coach like Whittingham hit the market just as they needed to make a stabilizing hire.

Michigan went 9-3 on the season and will face Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.