Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham walks out to the field prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium.
The Michigan Wolverines just lost to rival Michigan State for the first time in the last five years, and first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham is already sitting on a seat that seems red hot.
Things don’t get any easier, either, as Whittingham and the 5-4 Wolverines are now set to travel to a seemingly resurgent Oregon Ducks program.
Ahead of that game, Whittingham appeared on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show and made some interesting comments regarding the Ducks, head coach Dan Lanning, and the program’s financial resources.
Kyle Whittingham is asked about Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks, and makes it a point of emphasis to point out their $50 million NIL budget, after praising Lanning’s work ethic…
“..He really does a great job recruiting and It doesn’t hurt that you have $50+ million dollars at your disposal to, in essence outbid everybody. Not everybody, but a lot of people. But that’s not his fault. That’s a credit. I mean, that’s a credit to their program and their dedication and desire to win and the support they have. NIL is the name of the game in recruiting these days. It’s shifted so much…”
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) November 10, 2026
Kyle Whittingham Says Dan Lanning Is Winning Due To Oregon’s Massive Budget
Whittingham was asked what he knew about Lanning, whom he squared off with twice while he was the head coach at Utah, going 0-2 in the process.
“Outstanding football coach, defensive-minded coach. That’s his background. But (a) tireless recruiter,” Whittingham said. “He really does a great job recruiting.”
But that’s when the answer shifted.
“It doesn’t hurt that you have $50-plus million at your disposal to, in essence, outbid everybody,” Whittingham added. “Not everybody, but a lot of people. But that’s not his fault. That’s a credit. I mean, that’s a credit to their program and their dedication and desire to win and the support they have. NIL is really the name of the game in recruiting these days. It’s shifted so much.”
Yes, Lanning and Oregon do have a seemingly endless budget thanks to Nike founder Phil Knight. Whittingham is not wrong in that assertion.
But what he fails to note is that Michigan is also extremely competitive in the NIL market. Does the name Bryce Underwood ring a bell? Just because Michigan hasn’t leveraged its NIL power productively doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Fans and media members couldn’t believe what Whittingham was saying.
Does Kyle Whittingham actually know he left Utah for Michigan?
Related: Does he have any idea who Larry Ellison’s wife is?
— Andy Staples (@AndyStaples) November 10, 2026
As if Michigan, who has a $12 million QB sitting on the bench, is lacking funds.
— emilyetaylor (@emilyetaylor23) November 10, 2026
Dude should not be able to talk to the media for his last 3 weeks as coach. Just embarrassing every single time.
— Fire Kyle (@MikeR5577) November 10, 2026
Whittingham signed a five-year, $41 million contract with Michigan in December. But at this rate, it would be a miracle if he came anywhere close to seeing that contract out.