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As the University of Michigan continues to deal with the fallout from the Sherrone Moore firing, his replacement may have come into focus.
Kyle Whittingham, who announced he would step down as Utah’s head coach after 21 seasons following their Dec. 31 bowl game, has become the “focus of Michigan’s coaching search,” according to ESPN.
Whittingham’s candidacy is expected to be shared with Michigan officials on Friday, and they could offer him a deal soon after that.
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Nov. 15, 2025. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)
After leading Utah to a 10-2 record, Whittingham posted a career record of 177-88 during his two decades worth of coaching the Utes. He even had a perfect 13-0 season in 2008 and many expect him to one day be in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
But when he announced he would be stepping down, he joked during his statement that he was entering the “transfer portal” rather than simply retiring from the sport.
The 66-year-old still wants to train, and he is one of the hottest in that market.
FIRED MICHIGAN COACH SHERRONE MOORE WAS ‘STRESSED’ AS BACKS SPIN ABOUT THE AFFAIR: ‘IT WAS TOO DISCLOSED’
Moore was fired after Michigan found he had an inappropriate relationship, and he was jailed shortly after for allegedly breaking into a staffer’s house and threatening to take his own life.
Prosecutors accused Moore of contacting staff via phone calls and text messages after the breakup, prompting the woman to contact the University of Michigan and cooperate in the investigation. Moore was subsequently fired from his position as a football coach, which prosecutors said prompted him to show up at her home.
Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire talks with Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025. (Rob Gray/Imagn Images)
Moore then allegedly “barged” his way into the residence, grabbed a butter knife and kitchen shears and began threatening his own life. According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly told the employee, “My blood is on your hands” and “You ruined my life.”
If convicted, Moore faces more than half a decade behind bars, further damaging any hopes he may have of returning to the sidelines. His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 22.
A not guilty plea was entered for Moore during his first court appearance earlier this month.
Moore was “stressed” during the 2025 season, according to The Detroit Free Press, with reported rumors that he had been having an extramarital affair with a staffer.
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas on Nov. 28, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“Guys over there on that side of the building knew 100% about it,” a former Michigan insider told the paper. “They can deny it all they want, but there are too many things that happened. If you didn’t know, you’re an idiot. It was too obvious.”
Moore’s attorney, Ellen K. Michaels, told Pakinomist Digital that she had no comment for the article.
