Michigan Head Coach Kyle Whittingham Calls For Major Changes to College Football

In the new era of college football with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) at the forefront, it's hard to argue that Michigan isn't one of the biggest beneficiaries of the current system as the university has plenty of individuals that contribute monetarily to benefit Michigan athletics.

However, just because the Wolverines have a strong NIL base, doesn't mean that the current system is what is best in the long term for college athletics.

While most involved in college sports agree with players getting paid being they are the ultimate ones who drive revenue, especially in the sport of football, there are many opinions on how that should happen and how to create a model that makes sense in the long term.

The current system in place has minimal guard rails in place, which has caused various controversies as it relates to what should and shouldn't be happening in the context of athletics.

When making an appearance with On3's J.D. Pickell, Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham was asked what he would do to change the landscape of how the industry is operating right now.

While Whittingham admits he doesn't have all of the answers, he said it's clear that the sport is in need of a "complete revamping."

Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham waves at the crowd as he is being introduced on the floor during the first half between Michigan and USC at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Whittingham on why college football needs change

"It needs a complete revamping," Whittingham said. "You can't just do one thing, I think it needs a complete overhaul. Where we are is not sustainable. NIL is becoming out of control and I think you're going to see half a dozen or more teams in the next recruiting cycle have $50 million plus rosters. It can't continue. So we've got to reign it in. I don't have the exact plan or the exact model but I know something that resembles and NFL minor league is probably a good starting point, is trying to get a salary cap and some guard rails up on this thing."

While coach Whittingham has said to have plenty of gas left in the tank to see through his five-year contract at Michigan, the 66-year-old coach is likely thinking of how the game can best move forward for generations to come even when he is done coaching.

Whittingham seems like a coach who wants what is best for the game and for all involved, so to see him advocating on what he think needs to happen in the future for the sport to survive doesn't come across as a surprise.

Bryce Underwood throws — Nov 29, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) throws the ball in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images