Greg McElroy Sees Championship Traits Returning at Historic College Football Program

SEC Network personality Greg McElroy visits Radio Row. | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Michigan Wolverines experienced a turbulent offseason that led to a significant leadership change. Following multiple developments, the program moved on from its head coach after just two seasons.

This offseason, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported that a university investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship involving Sherrone Moore and a staff member. The findings ultimately resulted in Moore’s termination.

Reports also indicated that Moore was later arrested in connection with an alleged assault, adding to the series of events that defined Michigan’s offseason.

In response, Michigan turned to Kyle Whittingham, who brings extensive experience to the program. Whittingham spent 22 seasons as the head coach of the Utah Utes, compiling a 177-88 record. During his tenure, he established Utah as a consistent contender and guided the program to multiple conference championships.

Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

He also closed his time at Utah with continued success, leading the team to a 10-2 record in its first season in the Big 12. That sustained level of performance made him one of the most respected coaches in the sport.

Michigan’s expectations remain high. The Wolverines are aiming to return to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship, a standard set during the tenure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh. He led Michigan to three CFP appearances and a national title in 2023.

Early impressions of Whittingham’s impact have been positive. Greg McElroy of ESPN noted on "Always College Football" that the program is already showing signs of adopting a culture similar to the one established under Harbaugh.

"Some people are saying that Whittingham staff has some similarities to the type of physicality, the accountability, the culture, just the physical practices that they're going through," McElroy said.

"Saying that this Whittingham staff has tried to create that same physical edge that the Jim Harbaugh staff was able to create. So, that's a pretty big endorsement from some of the players going through it right now."

That emphasis on physicality and discipline has long been a hallmark of Whittingham’s teams. His ability to instill those traits at Michigan could play a key role in the program’s transition.

While the offseason brought significant challenges, it also created an opportunity for a reset. With an experienced head coach in place and a clear cultural direction, Michigan enters the 2026 season looking to reestablish itself among the nation’s elite.

How quickly that transition translates into on-field success will be one of the most important storylines to watch.