College Football HQ

Award-winning 177-win college football HC surges as favorite to be named Michigan HC

Michigan's coaching search just got a bit more complicated amid Alabama's run in the College Football Playoff and Kenny Dillingham signing a new contract.
Jonathan Adams|
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) sacks 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.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) sacks 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

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Michigan WolverinesUtah Utes

As the College Football Playoff heats up, Michigan's coaching search took a turn amid ongoing rumors. Alabama's Kalen DeBoer appears to be a more unlikely candidate following the Crimson Tide's win over Oklahoma with Bama looking to win another national title.

DeBoer had been floated as a favorite following Michigan's decision to fire Sherrone Moore. Additionally, Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham was among the favorites at Michigan.

Dillingham signed a new contract extension to remain at his alma mater, likely prompting Michigan to pivot from at least two of the team's top candidates. The latest betting odds have a new favorite atop the list to be named Michigan's next coach.

Let's explore the latest college football news on Michigan's search for a new coach.

Utah's Kyle Whittingham emerges as new favorite at Michigan

Kyle Whittingham has been the Utah head coach for 22 years. Now, Whittingham is being linked to a possible move to the Big Ten amid Michigan's vacancy.

Whittingham is the new favorite with a 26% chance to land the Michigan job, per Kalshi. Washington's Jedd Fisch is next in line at 19% followed by Michigan's interim coach Biff Poggi at 13%.

Kyle Whittingham's impressive resume could entice Michigan

There has been plenty of speculation in Utah that Whittingham could be headed for retirement sooner rather than later. It will be interesting to see whether Michigan could entice Whittingham to extend his career.

Whittingham has quite a resume going 177-88 during his 22 seasons as Utah coach. The veteran coach is a 2-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year. Additionally, Whittingham won the same honor in the Mountain West when the Utes were still part of the conference.

The pressure is on Michigan to make a decision soon with the college football transfer portal opening on Jan. 2.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Jonathan Adams
JONATHAN ADAMS

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports writer who has written for notable outlets and interviewed some of the top athletes for more than 10 years. Since 2015, his sports coverage has been read by tens of millions and has been prominently featured on Heavy, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and more. Jonathan is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a voter for the Maxwell Award and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. He has interviewed many of the biggest stars in sports — Bryce Harper, Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Bijan Robinson and Micah Parsons to name a few — and has traveled the country to cover the College Football Playoff, NFL draft, Masters, March Madness, Senior Bowl, McDonald’s All-American Game and beyond. Jonathan Adams studied at the University of Central Florida and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds master degrees in sport business management, business administration and theology & culture.

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