Should Whittingham have a season like Indiana just did, he would be set to make at least $11.5 million, including his base salary and bonuses.
The numbers on new Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham's contract are in.
The longtime Utah coach who was formally introduced as U-M's 22nd head coach in program history on Dec. 28, has signed a five-year deal worth $41 million in base salary, according to his memorandum of understanding, dated Dec. 26, 2025, which was obtained by the Free Press via the Freedom of Information Act.
Whittingham's base salary is set for $8 million in 2026 and will go up by $100,000 each year, reaching a peak of $8,400,000 in 2031. There are a number of other stipulations, including buyouts and payment breakdowns should he be fired without cause.
Whittingham's buyout anytime before Feb. 1 2027 would be $5 million, a figure that goes down by $1 million on each Feb. 1 for the ensuing four years. Should he be fired without cause, Whittingham would be entitled to 75% of his remaining base contract.
There are incentives for notable postseason milestones, too, including $500,000 for reaching the Big Ten championship and $1 million for winning it. Should U-M make the postseason and get an opening round bye, that's $200,000, an appearance in the quarterfinal is $100,000, an appearance in the semifinal is $200,000 and reaching the title game is $500,000.
Winning it all? That's another $1 million.
So, let's say U-M is able to pull off what Indiana just did this season, which is a perfect 16-0 season, Whittingham would be in line to make $3.5 million in bonuses on top of his base salary, which depending on the year would be between $11.5 million and $11.9 million.
There's another $50,000 on the line if he's named Big Ten Coach of the Year (as voted on by coaches) as well as an additional $75,000 bonus should he be named National Coach of the Year. Whittingham also has academic incentives. Of the football team achieves an Academic Progress Rate of 960 or higher, he may "receive an additional payment of compensation for that Contract Year at the discretion of the Athletic Director in an amount not to exceed $150,000."
Whittingham will also receive a department issued phone and is entitled to the use of two vehicles (paid for by the university). He will also get exclusive use of a private suite for all home games and will get first class airfare (paid for by the university) "while traveling on University business" in addition to private air charter while on University business.
He may utilize the private charter for 30 hours of personal use annually.
At the bottom of the MOU it states "as a team member of the Athletic Department, you agree to abide by and comply with the constitution, bylaws and interpretations of the NCAA and all NCAA, Big Ten Conference and University Rules. You will use maximum efforts to ensure compliance with these Rules by student-athletes, coaches and staff. If you become aware of or have reason to believe that viollations fo the NCAA, Big Ten or University Rules may have taken place, you are obligated to report it promptly to the Athletic Director or the Compliance Services Office."
Whittingham, athletic director Warde Manuel and president Domenico Grasso all signed the MOU on Dec. 26, 2025.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kyle Whittingham contract with Michigan football full of bonuses
Category: General Sports
