Dave Portnoy is over the moon after Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham hire: ‘We are so f–king back’

Michigan football’s coaching hire was given a resounding approval from one prominent alumnus.

Dave Portnoy took to social media in the wake of the news that Michigan was finalizing a deal to bring former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor and replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired and later arrested by local police earlier this month.

ESPN later reported that Whittingham’s contract is for five years.

In a video on X, the Barstool Sports founder quickly made it known that he feels the hire is a big win for the scandal-scarred program.

“We are so f–king back, I don’t even know what to do about it,” Portnoy said. “Listen, I was a little worried about this Michigan coaching search. Not gonna lie, I was saying, I hope we know what we’re doing. I hope these guys in charge, I don’t even know who that is, but I hope we have a plan because time is a ticking.”

Portnoy explained that he did not have an interest in Michigan bringing in Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, but would have liked Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, though he was apparently not given an offer.

Dillingham was given an extension to remain at ASU last week.

But he thinks the Whittingham hire is a slam dunk.

“One of the greatest coaches in the history of college football,” Portnoy said. “… He built a powerhouse — tough, physical, man-Michigan-type football. I heard Urban Meyer whisper at production meetings at ‘Big Noon Kickoff,’ ‘Man, Whittingham is the best coach I’ve seen.”

Whittingham led Utah for 22 years and won a school-record 177 games with an 11-6 mark in bowl games. Taking that into consideration, Portnoy thinks Michigan can begin a “dynasty.”

Kyle Whittingham head coach of the Utah Utes talks into his headset during the second half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. Getty Images

Michigan will now look to rebuild the pieces after Moore was fired earlier in December after the school said it found “credible evidence” that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was arrested that week when he allegedly broke into the home of the assistant and threatened to kill himself as he picked up butter knives.

He was later charged with felony home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering, the latter two being misdemeanors.

Michigan has one more game on the calendar this season on New Year’s Eve against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.