Analyst Says Michigan Should Move On From Whittingham

On November 11, Josh Pate said he believes Kyle Whittingham will not return as Michigan’s coach next season. The prediction came after the Wolverines lost 15-6 at home to Michigan State, which entered the game with a 2-6 record. Michigan fell to 5-4 with the defeat.

Pate said the program’s direction and Whittingham’s connection with the team had become serious concerns. The Wolverines have dropped four of their past six contests, while their offense has struggled amid changes at quarterback and offensive play-caller. Whittingham replaced quarterback Bryce Underwood with freshman Tommy Carr at halftime against Penn State in October.

The day after the Michigan State game, Whittingham dismissed offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who came to Michigan with him after their time in Utah. Jim Harding, the team’s offensive line coach, took over on an interim basis. Pate also criticized Whittingham for questioning whether the Wolverines had anything left to play for in their final three regular-season games, and for pointing to Oregon’s financial resources as an advantage for coach Dan Lanning.

Michigan’s remaining schedule includes a road game at Oregon, a home matchup with UCLA and a visit to Ohio State. Pate forecast losses in each of those contests. Whittingham signed a five-year agreement in December 2025 averaging $8.2 million annually, but Pate argued Michigan should accept the cost of making a coaching change. Any decision would come as athletic director Warde Manuel prepares to leave at the end of 2026 and the university searches for his replacement.