Kyle Whittingham says he will bring “seven or eight” assistant coaches with him to the University of Michigan, fueling speculation that the former Utes coach’s move could reshape the staffs at Utah and BYU in the coming days.
The legendary coach, meanwhile, tried to quiet any rumors about his time at Utah ended.
On Sunday, during his first news conference as Michigan’s head coach, Whittingham was asked if he was treated fairly by Utah administrators before he decided to step down.
“To answer your question, the university treated me nothing but good during my time there,” Whittingham said. “The community — you know, we had 100 straight sellouts and counting — and the support, it was just a very enjoyable ride in Salt Lake City.”
Whittingham reiterated that it was his “decision to step down” after 21 years in charge.
“I just felt again that the time was right, and I’ve seen too many coaches hang on too long and people say, ‘Gosh, why didn’t I retire two or three years ago?’ That type of deal,” Whittingham said.
“I contemplated stepping down before last season, but we had such a frustrating season. We were on our fifth quarterback at the end of the year, and it was just so frustrating that I just could not end on that note. So I came back and righted the ship, so to speak, and we got back on track.”
Whittingham said he believes he has left Utah’s football program in a good place — but that doesn’t mean he will be leaving it alone. The longtime head coach expects to load his new staff up with familiar faces.
“Urban [Meyer] and me are very tight,” Whittingham said. ”I got some counsel from him. He’s been a few places and the key is to get guys in you trust; get guys in that you’re familiar with and that do things your way. I know what to expect and what my expectations are.”
Shortly after Whittingham’s news conference, CBS Sports reported that Michigan was planning to hire BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill.
Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck is reportedly the target candidate for Michigan’s offensive coordinator job.
Whittingham on Sunday said the Wolverines would run a spread offense, the same system Beck used at Utah this year. He also said that the offense would suit Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
“The offense we’re going to bring in here, I think, is going to suit him to a T,” Whittingham said. “I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience here.”
Two weeks ago, Whittingham didn’t know what was next in his coaching career. He was set to step down from the Utes after the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
But on Dec. 10, former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was fired for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was arrested later that night for allegedly threatening the woman at her apartment.
Whittingham announced his decision to step down days later and the Wolverines came calling, desperate for change.
Now Whittingham is looking to get the Wolverines back on track and back in the College Football Playoff.
“I still have a lot left in the tank,” Whittingham said. “I knew that there were [a certain number of schools] that you can count on one hand ... that if they called, I would listen and I would be receptive to what they had to say.
“Michigan was one of those schools, definitely a top-five job in the country, without a doubt. I’m just elated to be here.”
Whittingham’s family is already swapping Utah red for the Wolverines’ maize and blue, too.
“I just can’t say enough about how myself, my family and my wife are excited to be here,” Whittingham said. “I have 8-year-old grandsons that are instant Michigan fans. They’ve changed their team to Michigan on the college football game.”