Michigan Fans Turn on Whittingham After Oregon Rout

Michigan’s 31-7 loss to Oregon on November 14 intensified criticism of first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, with fans calling for him to be fired after the Wolverines’ latest disappointing performance. Footage shared online depicted Whittingham moving away while Michigan players assembled during a timeout, drawing further anger from commenters.

Michigan fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter before Savion Hiter’s 70-yard touchdown run cut the deficit. Oregon answered with a 59-yard receiving touchdown and led 21-7 at halftime. The Wolverines did not score again. Quarterback Bryce Underwood was replaced by Tommy Carr for the second half, then returned with four minutes left. The two quarterbacks combined for 71 passing yards.

Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola passed for 341 yards and four scores. Oregon added 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, improving to 7-3 and keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Michigan is 5-5 overall and 2-5 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines must win one or more of their last two games, against UCLA and Ohio State, to reach bowl eligibility. Whittingham signed a five-year, $41 million contract this offseason, and a buyout could cost Michigan $24.75 million.

Whittingham arrived after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore. Before taking the Michigan job, Whittingham coached Utah from 2005 to 2025, compiling a 177-88 record and leading the team to multiple bowl games.