Colin Cowherd explains why Kyle Whittingham Is a great fit for Michigan Football

Why Whittingham’s track record makes him a smart hire in Ann Arbor

Feb 1, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Radio personality Colin Cowherd broadcasts on radio row at the Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images | Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Reports began breaking on Friday morning that Michigan and Kyle Whittingham are closing in on a deal to make him the next head football coach in Ann Arbor.

Shortly after, Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd spoke on the Wolverines' potentially hiring the former Utah Utes coach. 

Nov 28, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

“I love the hire, very very solid hire,” Cowherd said. “Two reasons (I love the hire), he is an ethical guy, there is no bs, what Kyle tells you is the truth… He is a straight shooter. The second thing is, he is a culture builder. I like that a lot. He is going to make them tough. Utah was always the one school in the Big 12 that played like a Big Ten team.”

Given the circumstances in how the Sherrone Moore era ended, the two qualities Cowherd explained make for a great fit in Ann Arbor. The program is in need of a course correction and stability, and Whittingham has the ability to do that. 

One concern that seems to be expressed by some skeptics is Whittingham's age. He is 66 years old and will turn 67 during the 2026 season.

“He is 66 - mind and body, looks mid-50s,” Cowherd explained. “Both of the Harbaughs were in the 60’s, some guys, they play younger, they are younger. Whittingham (is a) workout guy, ski guy; he is in shape. I love the hire.”

Anytime you are getting mentioned with one of the greatest Michigan coaches of all time, you are in good company.

Michigan Wolverines defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) and defensive back Zeke Berry (10) celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“It doesn’t mean he is going to succeed but he builds cultures and he knows how to develop players,” said Cowherd.

Cowherd also mentioned that other than Kalen DeBoer, this would’ve been his top pick for the next Michigan head coach.

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