How Michigan Landing on Kyle Whittingham Hinged on the CFP and a Louisville Long Shot

Kyle Whittingham is set to become the next head coach at the University of Michigan, following a series of events that shifted coaching prospects in college football. Whittingham, who recently announced his departure from Utah, is expected to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired on December 10 due to an off-field scandal.

The decision comes after a pivotal College Football Playoff game on December 19, where Alabama overcame Oklahoma with a 34-24 victory. The game's outcome reportedly influenced Michigan's coaching search, as Alabama's head coach Kalen DeBoer was initially a candidate for the Wolverines. However, Alabama's advancement in the playoffs delayed DeBoer's availability, leading Michigan to focus on Whittingham.

Whittingham, with a .668 career winning percentage at Utah, brings extensive experience and stability to Michigan. His tenure at Utah included victory over Michigan in 2015 and consistent success in both the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences. This hiring is seen as a