Overview
- Whittingham fired Jason Beck on Sunday after reviewing film from Michigan’s 15-6 loss to Michigan State the night before and named offensive line coach Jim Harding interim for the final three regular-season games.
- Under Beck the offense ranked near the bottom of the FBS, sitting about 132nd in total offense, 126th in scoring, 125th in passing, and 109th in rushing, with repeated struggles to run the ball and protect the quarterback.
- The coordinator change reopens the starter debate between Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr, and Whittingham said he has not named a starter for Saturday’s game at Oregon.
- Beck was on a three-year deal obtained by news outlets that pays millions annually and includes a clause reported to produce a roughly $10.1–$10.2 million buyout, a significant fiscal hit that could be offset under contract terms.
- Michigan now faces three ranked opponents — Oregon, UCLA and Ohio State — with an unsettled offense and limited in-house play-calling experience, a situation that will shape coaching hires and Whittingham’s short-term choices.