# Michigan to Cut Ties With Whittingham

> ESPN analyst predicts Michigan will cut ties with head coach Kyle Whittingham after failed experiment.
- Title: Michigan to Cut Ties With Whittingham · EssentiallySports
- Summary: ESPN analyst predicts Michigan will cut ties with head coach Kyle Whittingham after failed experiment.
- Keywords: michigan, kyle whittingham, michigan football, college football, michigan state, EssentiallySports
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-failed-experiment-michigan-to-cut-ties-with-kyle-whittingham-espn-insider-predicts
- Author: Divyanshi Raj
- Published: 2026-11-12T16:32:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michigan, kyle whittingham, michigan football, college football, michigan state, sports
## Whittingham's coaching future
ESPN analyst Josh Pate predicts Kyle Whittingham won't return to Ann Arbor for 2027 season.

> There’s 0% chance I see him there next year, even flying in the face of some of the feedback that I’ve gotten
## Whittingham's tenure at Michigan
Whittingham became Michigan's 22nd head coach after Sherrone Moore's departure in December 2025.
## Whittingham's record at Utah
Whittingham earned 177 wins, three conference championships, and an undefeated 2008 season at Utah.
## Michigan's current performance
Michigan enters November 14 matchup against Oregon with 5-4 record after losing 15-6 to Michigan State.
## Whittingham's connection with traditions
Whittingham reportedly resists learning Michigan's football traditions including rivalries and trophy games.

> If that turns you off, if memorizing the names of trophy games turns you off, if you think you’re above that, okay, maybe you’re above it, but don’t take the job
## Pate's comparison to Silverfield
Pate compares Whittingham's situation to Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield who embraces his program.
## Key takeaway

ESPN analyst Josh Pate predicts Michigan will cut ties with head coach Kyle Whittingham after calling his tenure a failed experiment.