Whittingham Hired as Michigan Head Coach
Kyle Whittingham was hired to lead Michigan football after Biff Poggi, who served as interim coach, was a finalist for the job.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham as its head football coach, choosing him over Biff Poggi, who had served as interim coach following Sherrone Moore's firing. Poggi was a finalist for the position after four interviews.
Why it matters
The decision ends a search that followed Moore's dismissal and determines who will direct the Wolverines program going forward. Poggi's interim tenure, which included a 2-1 record in 2025, was closely watched as a potential path to the permanent role.
Under interim coach Biff Poggi, Michigan went 2-1 in 2025, with wins over Central Michigan and Nebraska and a 41-27 Citrus Bowl loss to Texas. Poggi had four interviews for the permanent job before it went to Whittingham.
The players
Kyle Whittingham
Whittingham is a longtime college football head coach known for his long tenure leading Utah's program before being hired at Michigan.
Biff Poggi
Poggi is a college football coach who served as Michigan's interim head coach and was a finalist for the permanent position.
The details
Biff Poggi filled in for Sherrone Moore during Moore's suspension in September and was again promoted to interim head coach in December after Moore was fired. Poggi discussed losing the Michigan job on the Stadium & Main Show in early November 2026.
Timeline
September 2025: Poggi fills in for Moore during Moore's suspension.
December 2025: Poggi named interim head coach again after Moore is fired.
Early November 2026: Poggi discusses losing the Michigan job on the Stadium & Main Show.
Season Trajectory
The hiring of Whittingham sets the direction for Michigan football after an interim period that kept the Wolverines competitive in 2025. The decision determines whether the program's recent stability carries into its next head coach's first season.
Whittingham's arrival changes who calls the plays and sets the roster and recruiting priorities for Michigan's upcoming season. Fantasy and betting interest in Michigan players will shift as the new staff's systems take shape.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in college football often reshape a program's identity more than a single season's results suggest. Watching how Whittingham's staff uses the roster built under Poggi will show whether continuity or change defines Michigan's next chapter.
Further reading
Follow the latest in Michigan Football coverage for more on the program's coaching history.
