Kyle Whittingham Wants Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry to Be Intense, Not Fueled by Hatred: “I Don’t Think There’s Any Place for That Personally”
Eleven Warriors • • sports
Key Points:
- Michigan's new head coach, Whittingham, emphasized that the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry should be intense and emotional but not based on hatred, expressing a strong desire to win without animosity.
- Whittingham, who previously worked under Urban Meyer at Utah, has developed a deep respect for both programs through discussions about the rivalry during Meyer's Ohio State tenure.
- He dismissed the idea of fueling animosity between Ohio State coach Ryan Day and former Michigan coaches, stating he has no personal hatred toward Day and prefers to approach the rivalry in his own way.
- Whittingham’s familiarity with Day includes coaching against him in the 2022 Rose Bowl and a playful on-air message after Utah’s win over USC helped Ohio State reach the College Football Playoff.
- In a lighthearted remark, Whittingham invited Urban Meyer to attend Michigan practices every week except the one before the Ohio State game, underscoring his respectful and measured approach to the rivalry.
