Kyle Whittingham introduced as Michigan football coach

Highlights from the press conference Sunday to introduce Kyle Whittingham as Michigan’s new head football coach:

➤On how someone from the outside will reset the culture: “My culture is going to be with the players.” Whittingham said he knows the “gist” of what transpired in the investigation and firing of former head coach Sherrone Moore, but says his focus is on the players and hopes the university and program will handle the rest.

➤On his conversation with starting quarterback Bryce Underwood: “Quarterbacks have to have that ‘it’ factor, and he has that ‘it’ factor.” Believes that Underwood has potential and can’t wait to work with him.

➤On if his 21 years at Utah prepared him for a top-five job in college football: “Well, I hope so. I definitely learned a lot, it was my first head coaching job. … I don’t care how much you think you’re ready.” Notes how the transfer portal, NIL, etc. have changed the college football landscape, but hopes his lessons have prepared him to be fully equipped for this position.

➤On if he was treated fairly in his final years at Utah: Again states it was his decision to step down at Utah, gives praise to the administration in Utah for being supportive throughout the years. Talks about the community, the sellouts, says it was an enjoyable ride in Salt Lake City.

➤On what he’ll do during the week with the team during their bowl game prep: Currently wants to stay out of the way during the bowl week, has already talked to a few players such as Bryce Underwood and a few coaches, but won’t be hands-on.

➤On expectations: Believes in the 10-win mark, Big Ten championship, and College Football Playoff as expectations during his tenure as head coach.

➤On the type of culture he wants to build: “Family culture, without a doubt.” Whittingham said he wants to build a culture where no one is above the team, and where everyone buys in. Believes in the challenge of roster turnover that other programs face, but wants to retain players currently in the program.

➤On bringing in new staff: “You gotta bring in guys that you’re familiar with that you trust.” Whittingham said he’s talked with Urban Meyer, said there will be a few faces in the current staff that will stay but highly anticipates there will be new guys on staff.

➤On how he’ll use the resources to build and recruit his rosters: “We got excellent resources here.” Talks about the brand and the NIL opportunities that come with being a part of the Michigan brand.

➤On the opportunity to become Michigan head coach after stepping down as Utah’s head coach: Said he didn’t expect the job to open up. Already committed to stepping down as Utah’s head coach a day before the Michigan job became available.

➤What fans can expect from his teams: “Our team will fall in line to what Michigan is used to.” He said he used to watch old Michigan vs. Ohio State games, mostly the battles between Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes, wants his teams to show physicality during games.

➤On why he took the job: “It’s obvious, it’s Michigan,” saying it’s one of the top five jobs in the country in terms of college football. States that he wants to retain players currently on the roster and those coming in for their first season.

➤Opening statement: “I can say, without question, what an honor and privilege it is to be the head coach of this program.” Noted that he stepped down from his position in Utah two weeks ago, did not know if he was done coaching, but decided to take the Michigan job.

➤Warde Manuel leads with an opening statement, giving a summary of Kyle Whittingham’s record and success at Utah in his 21 seasons as head coach, highlighting Whittingham’s players in their play on the field and the graduation rate. Manuel noted that Whittingham’s high character came through during multiple conversations through the hiring process.

Press conference preview

Kyle Whittingham is set to be introduced as Michigan’s new head football coach during a press conference on Sunday at 11 a.m.

The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The Wolverines are in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl, and they will face Texas on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Camping World Stadium.

Whittingham comes to Michigan after serving as head football coach at Utah for 21 seasons, compiling a 177-88 overall record.

Detroit News contributor Kameron Goodwill will provide live updates throughout Sunday’s press conference.

Kyle Whittingham record

Head coaching record: Utah, 2005-2025, 177-88 overall, including 11-6 in bowl games.

Championships: One Mountain West title (2008), two Pac-12 titles (2021, 2022), four Pac-12 division titles (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021).

Awards: AFCA Coach of the Year (2008), Bear Bryant Award (2008), Mountain West Coach of the Year (2008), Bobby Dodd Award (2019), Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2019, 2021).

Playing career: Whittingham earned undergraduate (1984) and graduate (1987) degrees from BYU. He was a linebacker for the Cougars from 1978-81, earning first-team All-WAC and WAC Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1981.