The Michigan Wolverines will have a new voice leading them next season as Kyle Whittingham signed a five-year contract to take over as the head coach. While he will need to mold the roster into his style of football, he does have a key player at the most critical position: Quarterback.
Bryce Underwood appears to be returning for his sophomore season with the Wolverines. As a freshman, Underwood had a passer rating of 131.0 with 2,229 yards, nine passing touchdowns, and six interceptions in 12 games this season, per Sports Reference. Meanwhile, on the ground, Underwood recorded 323 rushing yards with five touchdowns.
Whittingham will need to help Underwood take the next step in his development as a quarterback, and during the Citrus Bowl broadcast on December 31, the new Michigan head coach, who joined ESPN, shared his thoughts on the player.
“Terrific kid,” Whittingham said when asked about whether he’s already met Underwood. “Just carries himself the right way, carries himself like a quarterback to carry himself as that it factor. In addition, had a chance to meet with his parents. Great parents, great family. He’s the right man to lead this football team.”
Michigan Wolverines HC Kyle Whittingham Is Ready to Go
Michigan dismissed Sherrone Moore on December 10 after the school said credible evidence showed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Despite the recent controversy, the 18th-ranked Wolverines finished 9-3 and will look to build on this season with a new leader.
The Wolverines’ search for their next head coach led them to land Whittingham as the football team begins a new chapter. ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel reported on December 26, citing sources, that Whittingham’s deal at Michigan averages $8.2 million per year. Moreover, the report reveals that the former Utah Utes head coach’s contract is 75 percent guaranteed, and Whittingham is expected to make $8 million in salary in 2026.
“Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence — both on the field and beyond — and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together,” Whittingham said in a statement released by the Wolverines.
Whittingham went 177-88 in 21 seasons at Utah, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008, and he will be looking to bring that success to the Wolverines as the team looks to get back into the College Football Playoff for the 2026 season.
Aidan Hutchinson Talks New Michigan Head Coach
Moreover, past alumni are hopeful that the university got the head coaching hiring right. Detroit Lions‘ Aidan Hutchinson, a standout defender at Michigan from 2018 to 2021, spoke to reporters on December 31 about Whittingham’s hiring and what it could mean for his former team.
“I don’t know much about him,” Hutchinson said (h/t MLive). “He seems like a cool dude from that first interview. so (I’m) hoping he can go in there and bring some stability and a winning culture…
“I don’t know too many people left there. And I’m curious what the new coaches they bring in are, who they bring in. I’m curious if I’ll know any of them. So it’s cool, but you’re getting older, man. It’s good.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham Gets Blunt About Bryce Underwood appeared first on Heavy Sports.