Podcast Summary: 🚨 Michigan Targets Kyle Whittingham – Former Utah Coach Emerges as Wolverines' Leading Candidate

Podcast: Cover 3 College Football
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Bud Elliott
Date: December 26, 2025
Main Theme: Michigan’s Head Coaching Search Zeroes In on Kyle Whittingham

Episode Overview

In this rapid-reaction episode, the Cover 3 crew dives deep into the breaking news that Michigan is targeting Kyle Whittingham, the recently departed Utah legend, as its next head football coach. The hosts explore Whittingham’s fit at Michigan, implications for both programs, what this means for the Wolverines in the short and long term, and how Whittingham stacks up to other potential hires. They also discuss the ripple effects for the Big Ten, recruiting, staff changes, and the inevitable comparisons to other coaching carousels.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context and Initial Reactions

• Michigan’s Ongoing Saga: The Wolverines have been “blindsided” by the firing of Sherrone Moore, with Biff Poggi handling bowl game preparations (04:33).
• Whittingham's Targeting Confirmed: Multiple sources (including CBS, ESPN, NBC Sports) report that Michigan is focused on Kyle Whittingham (04:33-05:15).

"This is a massive upgrade for Michigan, and that's no disrespect to Biff Poggi...I'm just comparing you to Kyle Whittingham."
— Chip Patterson (08:31)

2. Whittingham’s Fit & Legacy

• Utah’s Coaching Succession: Whittingham, age 66, is the “second best coach in Utah history—maybe more important than Urban Meyer for Utah's trajectory.” (06:55-07:20)
• Utah's Motivation: Questioned whether Utah wanted him out or if this was about moving to the promised successor, Morgan Scalley (06:18-07:20).
• Program Upgrades: Both Michigan and Whittingham are “upgrading”—Michigan in coaching experience, Whittingham in job prestige/scale (09:04).

"If he's anything close to what he was the last decade, he's an enormous upgrade over Sherrone Moore."
— Tom Fornelli (07:56)

3. Longevity and Transition Concerns

• Short-Term Solution: At 66, Whittingham isn’t viewed as a 10-year solution, more as a stabilizing presence (07:56, 09:07, 14:25).
• Succession Dynamics: Parallels to other transitions (e.g., Bobby Bowden at FSU), in which leadership must move on for “the future,” without diminishing the legacy (09:51-10:38).
• Likely Outcomes: Expect more 8–9 win seasons, continued floor stability; national championship possible, but not a top expectation (14:28-16:30).

“Probably not a national championship ceiling, but, buddy, you are going to keep the floor pretty damn high.”
— Chip Patterson (14:28)

4. Staffing & Recruiting Implications

• Coaching Tree and Autonomy: Uncertainty over whether Michigan will allow Whittingham to bring in his own staff, with comparisons to coaching ‘cross-pollination’ between Utah, BYU, and others (12:01-12:33).
• Offensive Schemes: Key questions about the offense and whether Whittingham’s style will fit blue-chip recruit Bryce Underwood (11:19-12:01).
• Portal Strategy: Whittingham’s proven development track record could help retain and attract portal talent, but timelines are tight (12:33-13:10).

“Is that an offense that Bryce Underwood wants to play in?...Who is coming to be his OC?”
— Tom Fornelli (11:19)

5. Comparisons to Other Candidates and Big Ten Outlook

• Alternative Hires & Longevity: Jed Fisch, Kenny Dillingham, Kalen DeBoer, and Todd Monken discussed as longer-term, possibly higher-upside alternatives (25:26-26:16).
• Big Ten Competition: Michigan's place in a "crowded neighborhood" — tough to surpass Oregon, Ohio State, USC now (16:06-16:09).
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Compared to Penn State’s hire (Matt Campbell) — Campbell seen as a more sustainable, longer runway option, though Whittingham may be better in the near term (22:05-24:44).

“It’s a really, really crowded neighborhood at the top of that conference.”
— Chip Patterson (16:09)

6. Michigan’s Internal State & Future Dynamics

• Institutional Upheaval: Acknowledgment of no sitting president, potential AD (Ward Manuel) on the hot seat, so Whittingham may just be a bridge to a new regime (23:30-24:04).
• Age and Recruiting: Less of a recruiting liability due to NIL-era realities – Michigan’s resources mitigate coach age (24:44-24:56).

"Coach age piece matters less for recruiting purposes now than it used to, especially at Michigan, where resources are not hard to come by."
— Tom Fornelli (24:44)

7. Notable Whittingham Traits & Anecdotes

• Media Savvy & Secrecy: Expect classic Whittingham injury report games (the “Cam Rising treatment”)—fits right in with Michigan’s tradition of secrecy (29:00-29:29).
• Legendary Commitment: Stories of Whittingham recruiting during a fire alarm, illustrating his work ethic and focus (29:17-29:54).

“Connor Stallions would never be able to crack Kyle Whittingham. ...That's the apprentice running into the master.”
— Chip Patterson (29:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Major Upgrade: “If he's anything close to what he was for the last decade at Utah, it's a massive upgrade for Michigan.” — Tom Fornelli (07:56)
• Stability and Floor: “Probably not a national championship ceiling, but buddy, you are going to keep the floor pretty damn high.” — Chip Patterson (14:28)
• On Whittingham’s Value: “I think Kyle Whittingham meant more to Utah and where it is today than Urban Meyer did.” — Chip Patterson (07:01)
• Comparing Candidates: "Matt Campbell is certainly the right hire for Penn State more than Kyle Whittingham would have been the right hire for Penn State.” — Chip Patterson (22:45)
• On Coaching Age and NIL: “Coach age piece matters less for recruiting purposes now than it used to, especially at Michigan, where resources are not hard to come by.” — Tom Fornelli (24:44)
• Secrecy: “Connor Stallions would never be able to crack Kyle Whittingham…That's the apprentice running into the master.” — Chip Patterson (29:16)

Timestamps for Key Sections

• Michigan’s coaching search background & Whittingham links: 04:33–06:18
• Whittingham’s Utah legacy and succession: 06:18–07:20
• Upgrade for Michigan, concerns about age & fit: 07:56–09:07
• Discussion of stability, program future: 09:51–10:38
• Staffing, portal, and recruiting questions: 11:19–13:10
• Ceiling/floor for Whittingham at Michigan: 14:25–16:30
• Big Ten, other blue blood competition: 16:09–17:00
• Comparing Penn State and Michigan coaching hires: 22:05–24:44
• Long-term outlook and athletic department shakeup: 23:30–24:04
• Cam Rising injury shenanigans and Whittingham anecdotes: 29:00–29:54

Conclusion

This episode captures the uncertainty, hope, and strategic thinking behind Michigan’s imminent hiring of Kyle Whittingham. The hosts see the move as a short-term stabilizer with a proven winner, critical for a program needing to restore order, retain talent, and compete in a supercharged Big Ten landscape. While questions remain about the staff, offensive scheme, and future direction, Whittingham’s track record is seen as a clear upgrade that buys time for Michigan’s next era. The episode blends frank analysis, behind-the-scenes context, and the show’s signature banter—providing essential insight for fans and followers of the college football coaching carousel.