Ex-Ohio State HC Urban Meyer gets 100% real on joining Kyle Whittingham's Michigan staff in future

Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has reacted to the prospect of him joining Kyle Whittingham's staff at Michigan. Whittingham, a close friend of Meyer's, was hired by the Wolverines last week to replace disgraced former head coach Sherrone Moore.

Meyer joined Michigan alum, Dave Portnoy, on Monday's episode of Wake Up Barstool, where he shared his reaction to Whittingham's hiring by Michigan. Portnoy suggested that Meyer, under whom Whittingham had worked in Utah, should take up the role of “special assistant to the coach.”

Meyer replied:

“I’ll never say the M word. I’m never wearing maze and blue. But I’m pulling for Kyle in every other game other than the one.”

The multiple national championship-winning coach admitted that the next edition of “The Game” will be somewhat awkward for him. This is because of the relationship he has with the two coaches, Whittingham and Ryan Day, both of whom he referred to as close friends. He said:

“We talk all the time. I imagine I’ll take a hiatus for that week as Big Noon and Barstool get ready for the rivalry game. But yeah, he’s one of my closest friends. So ironically, Ryan Day is also one of my closest friends. These are two elite coaches that are in ‘The Game,’ which, it should be that way.”

Kyle Whittingham admits he consulted with Urban Meyer

Kyle Whittingham made no effort to hide his affinity with Urban Meyer during his introductory press conference as Michigan coach over the weekend. The former Utah coach named Meyer as one of the trusted advisers he's leaned on as he prepares to take on his new role. He said:

“First of all, you’ve got to bring in guys that you’re familiar with and you trust and you’ve worked with. I think that’s always a starting point. I’ve had some good resources — you know, Urban Meyer, I don’t know if that’s a four-letter word in this room or not. But Urban and me are very tight. Got some council from him. He’s been a few places and the key is to get guys in you trust.”

Whittingham had spent the last 32 years coaching at Utah, first as defensive line coach, then as defensive coordinator and head coach. He stepped down from his role with the Utes after the 2025 regular season. He's joining Michigan following a series of controversies that have seen the Wolverines changed coaches twice in the past two years.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi