A leader has finally come forward in the Michigan coaching search.
The Wolverines are targeting former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who stepped down as the Utes’ coach earlier this year, to replace the fired and since-arrested Sherrone Moore, according to ESPN.
The plan has yet to approved by top officials at the school yet, ESPN reported early Friday morning, but a deal could be completed should the proposal receive the green light.
Whittingham, 66, surprisingly exited his role as Utah’s coach earlier this month ahead of the team’s Las Vegas Bowl clash with Nebraska.
He never said he was retiring, though, and made it clear recently that he was open to other jobs.
“Who knows? We’ll see,” Whittingham said of whether he was retiring. “Steepping down and step away, and re-evaluate things and see where we’re at. I’m a free agent, I’m in the transfer portal.
“Like I said, I’m at peace. I did not want to be that guy that overstayed his welcome and people just saying, ‘Hey, when’s this guy gonna leave?’ That was not my intention ever, and I hope I didn’t do that. I’m sure with some people I did do that, but to me, the timing is right.”
Whittingham led Utah to a 177-88 record over 22 seasons, including this year’s 10-2 mark.
He enjoyed his best season in 2008, leading to the team to a perfect 13-0 campaign and a No. 2 ranking the AP poll.
Should he get the job, he’ll replace Moore after Michigan fired him for an inappropriate relationship with a staff, later revealed to be assistant Paige Shiver.
Moore, a married father of three, was arrested after allegedly entering her home following Shiver telling the school of their affair and purportedly telling Shiver he would kill himself while picking up butter knives.
He was charged with three crimes: felony home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
