Michigan’s Next Head Coach Needs to be True Blue

Michigan’s Next Head Coach Needs to be True BlueBill Kemp Sun, November 8, 2026 at 12:07 PM UTC

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Bo Schembechler once noted he didn’t realize how much the Michigan – Michigan State game meant until it was over.

He was referring to the 23-12 loss in East Lansing to the Spartans in 1969 during his first year as head coach at Michigan. He was an out-of-towner from Ohio, and like a new kid on the block, he didn’t realize there was a mean dog living in the neighborhood until he wandered into its yard and got bitten.

It’s a painful, lifelong memory.

Though the scar remained, Schembechler quickly learned his lesson and went on to post a 17-4 record against the Spartans over the next two decades.

Kyle Whittingham won’t have that much time. It’s a safe bet the new out-of-towner Michigan head coach will be terminated before the year ends.

Will Whittingham care?

How could anyone possibly tell?

No matter how bleak the situation, Whittingham never shows any emotion – good or bad – in front of the cameras. Early in the season, he pointed to a “disconnect” with the team. But the disconnect appears to be him.

He certainly doesn’t share that trait with Schembechler, who probably smashed several clipboards and headsets into pieces watching the 15-6 loss to the Spartans Saturday night from football’s great beyond.

Whether he started the season with a strong roster, average or below in a down-cycle year, Schembechler-coached teams always showed improvement. In many cases by the second half.

So where is the improvement for Whittingham’s team?

It’s not on the offensive line. It’s not in the running game. It’s not in the passing game and it’s certainly not on special teams.

When Michigan sorts out its athletics director situation, dismisses Whittingham and a new head coach search begins, it needs to keep in mind some basic parameters:

First, if a potential new hire is endorsed by Urban Meyer, he’s disqualified.

Second, if a potential new hire doesn’t have an inherent understanding of Michigan’s rivals, he’s disqualified.

Third, if a potential new hire doesn’t hate Ohio State, he’s disqualified.

Finally, if a potential new hire doesn’t have some sort of lineage which can be traced back to the program or the state, he’s disqualified.

Being part of the Michigan family, where lifelong loyalty abounds, cannot be substituted for a strong resume. They need to go hand-in-hand. Do not listen to opinions from out-of-towners.

When Alabama alum Bear Bryant left Texas A&M in 1957 to take the head coaching job in Tuscaloosa, he said, “Mama called. And when mama calls you come runnin’.”

And just think, had Michigan not hired Whittingham and waited just 11 measly more days for the NFL season to end, John Harbaugh would have been available.

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