Kyle Whittingham’s contract details at Michigan have come into focus, showing the Wolverines’ commitment to their new head coach.
The school signed Whittingham to a five-year deal that averages $8.2 million per season, according to ESPN. The contract is 75 percent guaranteed, sources said, and Whittingham is expected to earn $8 million in base salary in 2026.
The agreement represents a pay increase of more than $1 million per year from his previous compensation at Utah, per USA TODAY Sports.
Kyle Whittingham’s five-year deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year over the course of the deal, sources tell me and @danwetzel. The deal is 75-percent guaranteed, and he’s expected to make $8 million in salary at Michigan in 2026. Https://t.co/wFb7a8PRRU
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 27, 2025
Michigan hired Whittingham on Friday to lead the Michigan Wolverines following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore earlier this month.
The university said it found “credible evidence” Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Moore was later arrested and charged with home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering after allegedly breaking into the staffer’s home.
Whittingham, 66, arrives in Ann Arbor after 22 seasons at Utah, where he compiled a 177-88 record and went 11-6 in bowl games. His resume includes multiple conference championships and a reputation for physical, defense-driven football. All traits Michigan officials believe align with the program’s identity.
Biff Poggi has served as Michigan’s interim coach since Moore’s firing and offered public support following the hire.
Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham!!!! Proven winner, true gentleman, tough nosed Michigan coach of days gone by. Great hire by Warde Manuel. The kids will love him. Exciting days ahead for Michigan. We have work to do over next five days. Texas is…
— Biff poggi (@BiffPoggi) December 27, 2025
“Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham,” Poggi posted on X. “Proven winner, true gentleman, tough nosed Michigan coach of days gone by. Great hire by (athletic director) Warde Manuel. The kids will love him. Exciting days ahead for Michigan.”
Poggi added that preparations remain underway for Michigan’s matchup against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, as the program transitions into the Whittingham era.
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