A leader has finally come forward in the Michigan coaching search.

The Wolverines are targeting former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who stepped down as the Utes’ coach earlier this month, to replace the fired and since-arrested Sherrone Moore, according to ESPN.

The plan is reportedly expected to be run by top Michigan officials Friday, and a contract could be finalized should the proposal receive the green light.

Kyle Whittingham during a November 2025 game. AP

Whittingham, 66, surprisingly exited his role as Utah’s coach earlier this month ahead of the team’s Las Vegas Bowl clash with Nebraska.

He never said he was retiring, though, and made it clear recently that he was open to other jobs.

“Who knows? We’ll see,” Whittingham said of whether he was retiring. “Steepping down and step away, and re-evaluate things and see where we’re at. I’m a free agent, I’m in the transfer portal.

“Like I said, I’m at peace. I did not want to be that guy that overstayed his welcome and people just saying, ‘Hey, when’s this guy gonna leave?’ That was not my intention ever, and I hope I didn’t do that. I’m sure with some people I did do that, but to me, the timing is right.”

Whittingham led Utah to a 177-88 record over 22 seasons, including this year’s 10-2 mark, and is the winningest coach in program history.

He is credited as a co-coach with Urban Meyer for the school’s Fiesta Bowl win in the 2004 season before taking over for the coaching legend in 2005.

Whittingham enjoyed his best season in 2008, leading to the team to a perfect 13-0 campaign and a No. 2 ranking the AP poll, and Utah went 11-6 in bowl games during his tenure.

Kyle Whittingham celebrating a win in September 2025. Ben Queen-Imagn Images

He considered moving on after a disappointing 5-7 season last year, but opted to return.

Whittingham had been the second-longest-tenured coach at any FBS school, trailing only Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.

“The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah,” Whittingham said in his statement after announcing he would be stepping down.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years and I’m very grateful for the relationships forged with all the players and assistant coaches that have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and feather during our time here.”

Should Whittingham get the job, he’ll replace Moore after Michigan fired him for an inappropriate relationship with a staff, later revealed to be assistant Paige Shiver.

Sherrone Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. ZUMAPRESS.com

Moore, a married father of three, was arrested after allegedly entering her home following Shiver telling the school of their affair and purportedly telling Shiver he would kill himself while picking up butter knives.

He was charged with three crimes: felony home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.

Michigan had been linked to Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, but he said in a statement he had “no interest” in leaving Tuscaloosa.

Alabama’s win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff then further closed the door on the idea of a potential split.

Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham had also been viewed as a potential option before the Sun Devils extended his contract.

Assistant Biff Poggi is the Wolverines’ interim coach and set to coach the Wolverines in their Dec. 31 clash against Arch Manning and Texas in the Citrus Bowl.

Landing a coach sooner rather later should help Michigan keep some of its top players and recruits, with some wondering if quarterback Bryce Underwood could leave.