10
Loading video...
By Jordan Sigler
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.
Amid a 5-4 start for first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, there appears to be a disconnect between the coaching staff and players.
That could lead to more serious changes with the coaching staff after the season than just the firing of offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who is set to receive a historical buyout from the Wolverines. Earlier in the season, Michigan tight end Zack Marshall apologized after his messages leaked that criticized Beck.
The discontent goes beyond Marshall.
Read More on NCAA
More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers
...
More news: Sigler’s Mount Rushmore of NFL GMs
Per Tony Pauline, a source speculated that Whittingham could be fired for cause at the end of the season, though it remains to be seen if Michigan would have enough ammunition to make that happen. But Michigan is dealing with a huge issue regarding Whittingham, as the head coach has lost the locker room.
"The issues with Michigan go deeper than what we see on the field," Pauline said in a video posted to X. "I'm told that there is tension in the locker room between the players and the coaches, and a lot of the players feel that the coaches disrespect them."
The Wolverines haven't looked good since the start of the season, when they needed a controversial last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass to beat Western Michigan. UM is 2-4 in Big Ten play, with losses to Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan State.
Michigan will conclude its season by playing No. 16 Oregon on Saturday, No. 4 UCLA on Nov. 21, and No. 20 Ohio State on Nov. 28. It's not inconceivable that the Wolverines could finish the season 5-7 and miss a bowl game.
This season is a bust, but things could be worse for Michigan's future. Pauline suggested that players are planning a mass exodus from the program before 2027.
"The big takeaway that I got and something to keep an eye on is the mass exodus of players from the Michigan program once the season is over via the NFL draft and primarily the transfer portal," Pauline said.
"This also includes players where a lot was expected from them this year, and the production just hasn't been there for whatever the reason is."
Whittingham went 177-88 overall during his time at Utah from 2004 to 2025. For whatever reason, the transition from Utah to Michigan has not been smooth for Whittingham. The Wolverines might have to cut bait quickly with their head coach to get things back headed in the right direction.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines