Wolverine Digest

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel explains why Kyle Whittingham was the right hire

The Michigan athletic director addressed the media at the Monday morning press conference.
Justice Steiner|
Oct 4, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel on the sideline in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel on the sideline in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

On Monday morning, Michigan football held a press conference in Orlando, Fla., to introduce Kyle Whittingham as the next head coach for the Wolverines.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel opened the press conference explaining why Whittingham was the right selection for the job.

“Everyone we talked to either started or ended their statements about him with his character,” Manuel said. “He has also shown a commitment to creating a program rooted in toughness, physicality, discipline and respect.”

kyle whittingham
Nov 15, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It is evident that with all the investigations and issues the program is going through, finding a high-character guy was important to the university to help restore its image.

“We were deliberate in our work and conducted an extensive search for the next leader of our football program,” Manuel said. “Kyle is committed to his team and players, evidenced by the fact that he spent 21 years as Utah’s head coach and a member of the program for 32 overall seasons… His Utah team’s posted a winning record in 18 of 21 seasons and won 10-plus games in eight of those years.” 

Although the personality was a big reason for the hire by the sounds, we can’t disregard the success Whittingham has found on the field.

Bryce Underwood
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) pursues Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Manuel went on to mention other stats, such as the fact that he led the Utes to an 11-6 record in bowl games and coached 35 All-Americans.

Between his high praise from peers and consistent success on the field, it is clear that Manuel and Michigan fans have a good reason to be optimistic for the future in Ann Arbor.

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Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

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