Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham doesn't hold back on disliking Ohio State after taking over reins in Ann Arbor

Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham as its new coach on Friday. However, Whittingham is wasting no time in establishing a strong bond with the Wolverines fans.

During his introductory press conference as UM's football coach, Whittingham took a dig at Big Ten rival, Ohio State. When a reporter asked Whittingham whether he dislikes the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Michigan coach had the perfect response.

"I do now, I guess," Whittingham said.

Whittingham also said he had been following the Buckeyes for some time since he worked with former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer at Utah. However, Whittingham concluded by saying that he is now on the "right side of the deal."

The Buckeyes beat the Wolverines 27-9 in November when Sherrone Moore was coaching UM. However, Moore was fired by UM on Dec. 10 after the school claimed that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

While Michigan will finish its 2025 season against Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, the Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff and looking to defend their national title.

Ohio State will face Miami in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.

Kyle Whittingham opens up on expectations at Michigan

Michigan Football Hosts Press Conference Introducing New Head Coach Kyle Whittingham - Source: Getty

Since Michigan is regarded as one of the top programs in the country, Kyle Whittingham knows the expectations that come with the job. He also opened up his ambitions with the team.

"Michigan is a special place, a legitimate opportunity to win a national championship," Whittingham said on Wednesday. "It has happened here. So, I looked at it as a final challenge."

The Wolvernies last won the national title in January 2024 when Jim Harbaugh coached the team to glory.

Whittinham was hired at Utah as its defensive lineman coach in 1994. He held several other assistant coaching roles with the team until he was promoted as head coach in 2004.

Whittingham posted a 177-88 record as head coach of the Utes for 21 years. He led the Utes to a Mountain West Conference title, two Pac-12 Conference titles and four Pac-12 divisional titles.

Edited by Arnold