The University of Utah has initiated legal proceedings against former assistant coach Freddie Whittingham, citing breach of contract. This lawsuit follows Whittingham’s departure to join his brother Kyle’s coaching staff at Michigan.
Filed in Utah’s Third District Court, the lawsuit demands over $300,000 for breach of contract, along with at least $1 million for general and special damages. It asserts that Whittingham vacated his position as Utah’s tight ends coach prematurely to assume the same role at Michigan, despite his contract extending through January 2027.
According to the lawsuit, Whittingham failed to submit a written resignation notice, did not secure written consent from Utah to negotiate with Michigan, and neglected to pay the stipulated liquidation damages outlined in his contract.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Whittingham did not dedicate his full attention and energy to his duties at Utah. It also accuses him of recruiting Utah players to Michigan while still employed by the university.
Kyle Whittingham, who had been a prominent figure in Utah’s football program for 21 years, recently stepped down, leaving as the coach with the most wins in the school’s history. More on his departure here. Subsequently, Michigan appointed him as a replacement for the dismissed Sherrone Moore just two weeks later. Read about the hiring here.
Freddie Whittingham had been part of Utah’s coaching team for 14 years under his brother’s leadership.
Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here. Visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here.
