In a move that has electrified the college football world, the University of Michigan has appointed Kyle Whittingham as its new head football coach on a stunning five-year, $41 million deal. The announcement, confirmed by the university late on Friday, has been hailed as a definitive turning point for the programme.
Portnoy's Viral Celebration
The news prompted an exuberant reaction from prominent Michigan supporter and Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy. In a high-energy video posted to social media platform X, Portnoy declared, "We are so f***ing back. I don't even know what to do about it." He admitted to prior anxiety about the coaching search, stating, "I was a little worried... time is ticking and I'm getting nervous."
Portnoy lavished praise on Whittingham, highlighting his two-decade tenure at the University of Utah where he built a reputation for tough, physical football. "He built a powerhouse... And now he comes to Michigan?! This isn't just rebuilding, restarting - this is the beginning of a dynasty," Portnoy claimed, calling the hire a significant "upgrade."
A Scandalous Predecessor and a Fresh Start
Whittingham's appointment follows the dramatic firing for cause of former coach Sherrone Moore on December 10. Moore was dismissed after an investigation into an 'inappropriate relationship' with a staff member. He has since been officially charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering following an incident at the home of his executive assistant, Paige Shivers.
Portnoy addressed the scandal directly, albeit crudely, saying, "I never want my head coach to be having an affair with his executive assistant and then run into her house with a butter knife..." He concluded, "Honestly, it couldn't have shook out better," framing Whittingham's arrival as a fortunate outcome from a bad situation.
A Return to 'Michigan Man' Values
In subsequent social media posts, Portnoy framed the meticulous coaching search as a return to core values. "The way we conducted this coaching search is just top class stuff," he wrote, criticising rival programmes for allegedly recruiting active coaches. "At Michigan we waited for a coach who was free and clear. It's still about doing things the right way. The Michigan Man way."
This sentiment was echoed by university officials. Michigan president Domenico Grasso stated that Whittingham would bring "dignity, integrity, and fierce competitiveness" back to the Wolverines, signalling a clear intent to restore the programme's reputation on and off the field after a tumultuous period.
