Urban Meyer believes Kyle Whittingham is building to succeed at Michigan, but he also has one concern as his longtime friend begins a new chapter in Ann Arbor.
During the latest The Triple Option podcast, Meyer said Whittingham’s deep roots in Utah could make the transition challenging. Whittingham has spent virtually his entire playing and coaching career in the state, most notably with the Utah Utes, where he built one of the most stable and respected programs in the country.
“My only concern is Kyle has been at one spot for 30 years,” Meyer said, noting Whittingham’s long tenure and limited time outside the region. That familiarity, Meyer explained, contrasts sharply with what awaits him at Michigan.
Meyer’s primary concern centers on the scale of scrutiny that comes with the Wolverines’ job. While Whittingham guided Utah through multiple conference transitions and sustained national relevance, Meyer believes the daily attention at Michigan is on another level.
“This is one of the top five jobs out there,” Meyer said. “Everything is evaluated. Everything is scrutinized.”
Whittingham finished his Utah career with a 177-88 record, three conference titles and nine AP Top 25 finishes. At Michigan, expectations are higher and immediate, with national championship aspirations defining success.
Meyer also acknowledged the personal wrinkle ahead, as Whittingham now leads Michigan opposite Meyer’s former program, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in The Game. Despite that, Meyer emphasized their close relationship, joking he may “take a hiatus” during rivalry week.
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