CHICAGO — Kyle Whittingham, entering his first season as head coach at the University of Michigan, faces the significant task of restoring stability to a program recently marred by controversy. Whittingham, who spent 21 seasons leading the University of Utah football team, stepped into the Michigan role amid ongoing investigations and a turbulent athletic department.

The Michigan program has suffered a series of reputational challenges, including coaching scandals, NCAA infractions, and administrative upheaval. Sherrone Moore, Whittingham’s predecessor, is currently under investigation, and Athletic Director Warde Manuel is set to resign at the end of the year with a $7.2 million buyout. These developments have created a climate of uncertainty that Whittingham has pledged to address.

At Big Ten media days, Whittingham made clear his priority is to “put the drama to bed,” emphasizing that the recent issues stemmed largely from personnel off the field rather than from players. He noted that the current athletes are focused and accountable, while the program’s difficulties have come from lapses among coaches, administrators, and university officials.

“We did not need to overhaul the locker room culture,” Whittingham said. “We needed new adults in the room. That’s what we have now.” Known for his steady leadership and disciplined approach, Whittingham aims to bring structure and stability to the Wolverines, a quality he believes players respond to positively.

Whittingham acknowledged the challenges ahead, including a difficult schedule featuring matchups against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Oklahoma, and recognized that success will depend heavily on player development and adaptation to new systems. He pointed to quarterback Bryce Underwood, the top recruit of the 2025 class, as a critical factor. Underwood showed potential in his freshman year but has yet to fully realize it. Michigan’s new offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, who had success developing talent at Utah, is expected to help in that regard.

“There’s a lot of good players in our program,” Whittingham said. “But we have some work to do, especially in depth at certain positions. In a year or two, I think we’ll be where we need to be.” Whittingham stopped short of promising immediate playoff contention, instead setting a more measured expectation of competing in “meaningful games in November.”

Now 66, Whittingham is navigating his first season with a program still recovering from recent turmoil and preparing for new athletic department leadership. While Michigan fans are eager for a return to national prominence following the team’s last College Football Playoff appearance three years ago, patience may be necessary as Whittingham rebuilds both the team and its reputation.

For Michigan, the arrival of Whittingham marks a shift toward a more disciplined, drama-free era. His experience and steady hand provide a foundation for stability, even as the football program confronts a challenging path ahead both on and off the field.