Michigan Reopens Quarterback Competition After Offensive Coordinator Firing

Michigan will reconsider its starting quarterback following Jason Beck’s dismissal as offensive coordinator, Kyle Whittingham announced on November 9. Whittingham said the choice between freshman Tommy Carr and sophomore Bryce Underwood remains unsettled for the November 14, 2026 home game against Oregon.

Carr has started Michigan’s past three games, taking over after Underwood was benched. He went 1-2 as the starter, with a win over Rutgers and an overtime performance against Indiana. Against Rutgers, Carr threw for 266 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

His latest outing was a sharp decline. In the November 7, 2026 15-6 loss to Michigan State, Carr completed 14 of 26 passes for 138 yards, threw two interceptions and had no passing touchdowns. Michigan did not score until late in the fourth quarter. The defeat was the Spartans’ first Big Ten win of the season.

Whittingham had said the week before November 9 that Carr would remain the starter for the foreseeable future, but after the loss he described the role as “to be determined.” The coach has previously waited until game day to disclose a quarterback decision.

Underwood started the six games before Carr took over. He completed 58% of his passes, recording six interceptions and five touchdowns before his benching. His athleticism could give Michigan another option through designed runs, while Carr has contributed on scrambles.

Jim Harding, Michigan’s offensive line coach, has been named interim offensive coordinator. The Wolverines rank 132nd in total offense among college football teams, ahead of only Michigan State among Power Four programs. Whittingham’s quarterback decision will come as Michigan tries to improve its offense for the remaining stretch of the season.