Kyle Whittingham. Chris Jones-Imagn Images

New Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham takes first jab at Ohio State

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 8:36 AM ET

Kyle Whittingham didn't waste time picking sides in college football's most heated rivalry. The 66-year-old coach, who spent 21 seasons building Utah into a consistent winner, faced reporters Sunday for his introductory news conference at Michigan.

When asked whether he dislikes Ohio State, Whittingham gave the kind of answer Wolverines fans wanted to hear. His response was quick and clear, signaling he understands what this job demands beyond X's and O's.

Whittingham comes to Ann Arbor after compiling a 177-88 record with the Utes, where he won eight seasons of at least 10 games. Michigan hired him on Friday on a five-year deal worth $8.2 million annually to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired earlier this month.

The former Utah boss met with Michigan players Saturday night before standing in front of cameras Sunday.

According to a video posted by Woodward Sports Network on X, the exchange happened during the press availability when a reporter asked him directly about the Buckeyes.

“Just to be clear, do you dislike Ohio State?”

“I do now I guess.”

Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham is adjusting fast pic.twitter.com/LF1L2Y6NrB
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 28, 2025

Urban Meyer connection shapes Whittingham's Ohio State perspective

The rivalry takes on added texture when considering Whittingham's coaching past. He served as defensive coordinator at Utah under Urban Meyer, who later won a national championship at Ohio State.

That connection means Whittingham followed the Buckeyes closely for years, watching Meyer build a powerhouse in Columbus.

"Well, at Michigan, here it's playoffs. I mean, you've got to get to the playoffs. That's our expectation. That's my expectation," Whittingham said when asked about the different expectations at his new job."

"You know, Big Ten championship obviously will get you to the playoffs, but if you can get to that 10-win mark, then usually it's a pretty good indicator, especially when they expand, which is going to happen at some point soon, and so that's the bar, University of Michigan."

Then came the money question about Ohio State.

“Just to be clear, do you dislike Ohio State?”

"I do now, I guess," Whittingham responded. "But like I said, I followed them for quite a while. Me and Urban were on the same staff at Utah. I was his defensive coordinator, so there's a real tight bond there, and I followed him throughout the course of his career, and he had great success. But now I'm on the right side."

Reports say he's expected to bring coordinators from both Utah and BYU to Ann Arbor, though no official announcements have been made.

Olamilekan Ajayi

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