The former Utah coach is on a mission in Michigan, chasing with the Wolverines what eluded him with the Utes. But after a nightmare start, he’ll need all the help he can get

ANN ARBOR – Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t mince words when assessing his team’s shortcomings in his Wolverines debut.

Whittingham is quickly learning the dimensions of his new job. In his first game, Michigan narrowly escaped Western Michigan after a controversial call gave the Wolverines time to complete a last-second Hail Mary. (The MAC is appealing the result.) Next comes No. 11 Oklahoma in a game that will draw a national spotlight and elevated scrutiny.

Venables took over as head coach before the 2022 season. His first year did not go well as Oklahoma went 6-7, marking its first losing season since 1998. That summer, Venables took his staff to visit Whittingham while he was the coach of the Utah Utes.

Kyle Whittingham offered his first impression on Michigan Football’s upcoming opponent, Oklahoma, and “outstanding” QB John Mateer: