Legendary former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has "emerged as the focus of the University of Michigan's coaching search," according to a new report.

The Michigan Wolverines are finalizing an agreement to hire Kyle Whittingham as their new football coach. Whittingham spent the last 21 years at Utah.

Michigan expected to hire longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as next head football coach to permanently replace Sherrone Moore

Michigan’s coaching search is messy and urgent. The Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 amid off-field turmoil. The program still needs a leader before the transfer portal opens. Players and staff want stability.

The University of Michigan is deep into its search for a new head football coach after firing Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10. Moore was dismissed for cause following an investigation that found he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

One overlooked candidate that Michigan might pursue is an under-the-radar SEC coordinator with ties to college football dynasties.

A favorite for the Michigan job has suddenly emerged as the program gets ready for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was considered the top target for the job after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel addresses Jeff Brohm’s name surfacing in Michigan’s head coaching search as the Wolverines evaluate next steps.