WTKA Roundtable 1/8/2026: We're Not in the News!

15 snips

Jan 8, 2026

The panel dives into the excitement around the new coaching hires, praising their stability and scandal-free history. They discuss Michigan's recruiting strategy in the portal and its early challenges. A fascinating comparison is made between coaching transitions, connecting Whittingham's arrival to historical shifts in the program. The offensive outlook hints at a run-heavy approach, showcasing innovative uses of players like JJ Buchanan. Special teams and defensive strategies under the new staff also capture attention, promising a more efficient and adaptable game plan.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Stability Through Experienced Staff

Kyle Whittingham brought an experienced, stable staff that signals 'adults in the room.'
Brian Cook argues that established coordinators and position coaches make Michigan's staff top-tier in the Big Ten.

INSIGHT

Clean Track Record Matters

Seth Fisher emphasizes Whittingham's 20+ years at one program with no scandals as a major asset.
He says that quick staff assembly showed players Michigan was 'not in the news' and reassured the roster.

INSIGHT

Portal Timing Put Michigan Behind

Brian Cook notes Michigan was playing catch-up in the portal because other teams set visits up before Michigan had a coach.
He credits strong roster retention (many key players returning) for stabilizing next season's outlook.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Thing Discussed:

Most excited about the hire: there are adults in the room. Spent 20+ coaching in one place with no scandals.
Impressed that they stabilized the program so quickly.
Portal recruiting happens in December; they're playing from behind because IU was setting up all of these visits weeks ago. Notice they're getting special teams guys because Coombs was already in his job.
Whittingham as Crisler (Brian: [moans]), as an established outsider who locked down Harmon to survive the transition. That was the end of the Yost Cycle, and likewise this is the end of the Bo Cycle. What happens next? How does he develop ways to take advantage of Michigan's place in the new world.
Money allocation is a big conversation going forward. Indiana puts all of its resources into the portal, Michigan will pay a NOB and also pay a Rolder.
New offense: Not a whole lot different under Harbaugh? Utah fans: "get ready to run QB Power!"...okay! "Tell your TEs to prepare to be blockers." Sure. "Don't expect any
Seth: More Urban Meyer approach where it's about efficiency more than explosives. Loaded at OL, have great RBs.
Main feature of Beck is he plays a "tight end" who's really a receiver. Brian points out JJ Buchanan is 6'3"/225 and only played five snaps inline—that's just a wide receiver. Point is they're way more spread than people realize.
In Break: Ryan Mallett (RIP). Craig says Lloyd tried to broker a conference with Mallett's dad and Rich Rod, neither side was interested.
Jay Hill: Has the bona fides, knows where the hashes are, made Weber State a power.
Schematically, going back to more of a Cover-1 look. Notre Dame defense is similar, also a lot like the Ryan Walters stuff where they turn their 4-2 into a 5-1 regularly. Really wanted to keep Cole Sullivan (as a WLB who can DE or S) and Jordan Young (as a nickel who can S or CB) for this system. Think Jyaire or Shamari would be good in that nickel role.
Biggest hurdle for this staff? Probably learning how to recruit as Michigan instead of Utah.