Michigan expected to hire coach who ‘stepped down’

The Michigan Wolverines football program has been a mess in recent seasons. After the Jim Harbaugh era in Ann Arbor wrapped following Michigan’s involvement in an alleged sign-stealing scandal centered around staffer Connor Stalions, Michigan elevated former offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to the head coaching role.

Unfortunately for the program, Moore’s tenure has also ended in scandal, with Moore being fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a football staffer.

“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately,” the university announced. “Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.”

Now, the University is set to launch an investigation into how so many controversies have plagued the football program. The school has hired Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm that has worked with the university in recent years, to launch a full investigation into the practices and culture of its athletic department.

The Wolverines have also narrowed in on the coach they’re looking to tab as Moore’s replacement. Surprisingly, the candidate recently announced that he would step down from his head coaching role at another program.

“NEWS: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as the focus of the University of Michigan’s coaching search, sources tell (Dan Wetzel) and me,” reported ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Friday.

NEWS: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as the focus of the University of Michigan’s coaching search, sources tell @DanWetzel and me. More here: https://t.co/YLyEu2J2cO

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 26, 2025

It would be an interesting move for the Wolverines, considering Whittingham hasn’t produced at the same level as he did five or six years ago at Utah. However, a change of scenery may be just what Whittingham needs.