Michigan Unveils New LB Coach, Reveals Complete Defensive Staff Under Whittingham
Michigan has made significant changes to its defensive coaching staff under head coach Kyle Whittingham. The latest addition is Alex Whittingham, who will coach the linebackers starting in 2026.
New Coaching Staff Overview
After hiring Jernaro Gilford from BYU, Whittingham completed his defensive staff. Retaining three members from the previous regime, the coaching staff now consists of:
- Defensive Coordinator: Jay Hill
- Defensive Line Coach: Lou Esposito
- Defensive Ends/Edge Coach: Lewis Powell
- Defensive Line Analyst: David Denham
- Linebackers Coach: Alex Whittingham
- Defensive Backs Coach: Jernaro Gilford
- Special Teams Coordinator: Kerry Coombs
- Assistant Special Teams Coach: Garrett Clawson
Coaching Career of Alex Whittingham
Alex Whittingham enters his first season with Michigan after an eight-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. He previously held multiple roles, culminating in his position as the assistant defensive line coach.
During his time with the Chiefs, he contributed to five Super Bowl-contending teams. His coaching roles have spanned various defensive positions, demonstrating his versatility and expertise. Some key achievements during his time include:
- Top-10 ranking in points allowed during six seasons.
- Top-six marks in points against in his final three years.
- Consistent performance ranked among the top-12 teams in yards allowed per game for four consecutive seasons (2022-2025).
Notable Players and Achievements
Whittingham has played a crucial role in the development of notable players, including:
- Defensive linemen Frank Clark and Chris Jones.
- Linebackers Nick Bolton, Dee Ford, and others.
- Defensive back Trent McDuffie.
His coaching contributions helped players achieve remarkable milestones, including:
- In 2021, Nick Bolton was awarded the Mack Lee Hill award as the best rookie.
- Bolton set a franchise record with 180 tackles in 2022.
Personal Background
Alex Whittingham’s journey in coaching began after a successful playing career at the University of Utah, where he made significant contributions over 45 games. He is married to Gabi and has three children: two daughters, Eleanor and Amelia, and a son, McCoy.
This new lineup promises to bring fresh energy and strategies to the Wolverines as they prepare for the upcoming season.
