New Michigan Coach Whittingham Details Influences from Meyer, BYU Legend

Newly appointed Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham is addressing the intricate web of relationships he brings to Ann Arbor, specifically regarding his ties to the program’s fierce rival to the south. Despite the traditional animosity between Michigan and Ohio State, Whittingham has been candid about the profound impact former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer has had on his career.

Whittingham, who served as Utah’s defensive coordinator under Meyer before succeeding him, identified Meyer as one of three primary architects of his coaching philosophy. He credited Meyer with instilling a sense of meticulous organization and structural detail that defines his current operations. “There was no stone left unturned with Urban,” Whittingham noted, highlighting Meyer’s ability to plan far into the future.

The other two pillars of Whittingham’s coaching style include LaVell Edwards, the former BYU head coach whom Whittingham hailed as a master of delegation, and Ron McBride, his mentor at Utah known for his recruiting prowess. Whittingham emphasized that Edwards taught him to avoid micromanagement and maintain emotional stability, while McBride provided the blueprint for cultivating athlete relationships.

Meyer, who departed Ohio State following the 2018 season, is currently a prominent figure in sports broadcasting as an analyst for Fox Corporation. While Meyer’s tenure with the Buckeyes is a sore spot for Michigan fans, Whittingham suggested that the intense rivalry need not include personal hatred.

The new Michigan coach also spoke positively about current Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. The two met when Whittingham’s Utes faced Day’s Buckeyes in the 2022 Rose Bowl, a game Ohio State won 45-42. Whittingham dismissed the idea of personal vitriol, stating that rivalries can be intense without the “hatred factor,” drawing parallels to the respectful relationship between BYU and Utah.

Fox Corporation, the media conglomerate where Meyer now works, currently trades with a market capitalization of approximately $24.25 billion. The company operates extensive sports and news programming segments, serving as the platform for Meyer’s commentary.

What to watch

• Whittingham’s first press conference at Michigan regarding the specific composition of his coaching staff.
• Upcoming scheduling announcements for the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
• Fox Corporation’s quarterly earnings report for insights into its sports programming viewership.

Source: original release