Orlando, Fla. – Michigan running back Jordan Marshall said Kyle Whittingham, the program’s new head football coach, made a strong initial impression when meeting with the players Saturday night at the team hotel.
Whittingham, the longtime Utah head coach, was hired Friday as Michigan’s 22nd head coach, replacing Sherrone Moore, who was fired Dec. 10 for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Michigan arrived in Orlando on Friday to prepare for the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Wednesday. Whittingham arrived here on Saturday.
“Good energy, did what a coach is supposed to say – said the right things and brings intensity, for sure,” Marshall said Sunday morning at bowl news conference, referring to his impressions of Whittingham. “Really like that about him. And definitely is somebody that the team, when I talk to guys, that they’re like, ‘This guy seems like he’s gonna be good,’ but supposed to be like that after the first impression.”
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder said the meeting was a brief introduction and the players learned about Whittingham’s background. Whittingham, 66, had been on Utah’s staff since 1994 and was elevated to head coach in 2005. Earlier this month, he announced he was stepping down but did not rule out coaching again.
“I think the conversations that you’re kind of looking for are coming down the road,” Rolder said.
Rolder has been eyeing a possible departure for the NFL Draft. Marshall said he wants to find out more about Whittingham before making a decision about his future at Michigan.
“I’m just gonna keep getting to know him, keep getting to know his staff, and communicate with him,” Marshall said. “I want to be at Michigan. If everything works out, I want to be here. I love this place, truly.”
