Wolverine Digest

Urban Meyer shares what he told Kyle Whittingham about the Michigan job

The former Ohio State head coach details his conversations with Whittingham and why he was the right pick for the job.
Justice Steiner|
Former head coach Urban Meyer watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Former head coach Urban Meyer watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes 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

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Michigan Wolverines

On Monday morning, former Ohio State head coach and current Fox Sports analyst, Urban Meyer, talked with Dave Portnoy on the Wake Up Barstool podcast.

Portnoy asked Meyer for his opinion of the hire and his conversations with new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham leading up to taking the job.

Whittingham and Meyer worked together for two seasons (2003-04), when Meyer was the head coach at Utah, while Whittingham served as his defensive coordinator.

Whittingham Called Meyer

When talking with Portnoy, Meyer said that Whittingham gave him a call to ask his opinion on taking the job.

“When Kyle told me that (he was offered the job), I said, ‘Kyle, it is a no-brainer. You could win a national title there,” Meyer explained. “It is a hard job. He is going to be under scrutiny he has never been under before… This is a blue-blood program, you can get any player you want and you have elite academics.”

Kyle Whittingham
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

Why Michigan Made the Right Choice

Meyer explained later on that toughness and respect are what make him the right fit for the job.

“He is a tough cat, that is a tough dude,” Meyer said. “You are going to see, when the Wolverines were Wolverines of old, like they were a couple years ago, they were a line of scrimmage team that tackled well and played physical, tough defense. They controlled the line of scrimmage on offense. And that’s what he is.”

National champion
A Michigan football player celebrates the 34-13 win over Washington to win the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

On top of fitting the mold of Michigan teams that have had success, Meyer said Whittingham gains respect from his players.

“He has adapted well to the new era of player,” Meyer said. “That’s the thing, when he was my defensive coordinator, he was firm, had high expectations, but he was never demeaning. Players respected him and that is the number one quality that he has.”

A lot of the traits mentioned are reminiscent of the Harbaugh era of football, which should get all Michigan fans excited.  

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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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