10
Loading video...
By Bryan Colbert Jr.
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
ESPN’s Dan Wetzel does not expect Kyle Whittingham to coach Michigan next season, offering a blunt assessment of a first year that has left the Wolverines fighting to reach bowl eligibility.
Speaking on ESPN’s "College GameDay" podcast, Wetzel predicted Michigan would move on after this season, though he did not identify how a separation would happen. His comments followed Saturday’s 15-6 home loss to Michigan State and the dismissal of offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
“This is my prediction, but just my feeling is that Kyle Whittingham’s not coaching there next year,” Wetzel said.
Read More on NCAA
Wetzel framed the assessment as his opinion, rather than reporting that Michigan had decided to make a change. He said a departure could come through retirement, a firing or a mutual agreement.
His concern extended beyond the record.
Wetzel questioned whether Whittingham’s approach fit Michigan, pointing to his public comments about rivalry games and what he viewed as a team lacking energy. Podcast host Rece Davis also acknowledged that he had supported the hire but now questioned whether the partnership could work.
The latest loss supplied another difficult result to assess.
Michigan managed 192 total yards against Michigan State and converted just two of 10 third-down opportunities. The Wolverines fell to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play, while the Spartans improved to 3-6. Michigan’s defense kept the game within reach, but its offense could not provide enough support.
The Spartans won without scoring a touchdown. Michigan did not reach the end zone until 1:35 remained, then failed on its two-point conversion attempt. Michigan State recovered the ensuing onside kick to finish the game.
Whittingham responded Sunday by firing Beck, effective immediately. Michigan named offensive line coach Jim Harding interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the regular season, placing him in charge with three games remaining.
In announcing the move, Whittingham said Beck was a respected coach but that the partnership had not produced the results Michigan wanted.
...
The remaining schedule leaves little room for an easy recovery. Michigan visits Oregon on Saturday, hosts UCLA on Nov. 21 and finishes at Ohio State on Nov. 28. The Wolverines need one more victory to reach six wins and secure bowl eligibility.
Wetzel’s prediction adds scrutiny to that stretch, but the next three games still give Whittingham something more concrete than a podcast assessment to answer. He has changed the coordinator.
Now Michigan needs the results to change before its first season under him ends with a losing record.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines