Sources: U-M targeting Utes legend Wittingham

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as the focus of the University of Michigan’s coaching search, sources told ESPN.

Whittingham’s candidacy is expected to be shared with top Michigan officials on Friday, per sources, and a deal could come together in the near future if they approve.

Whittingham, 66, went 177-88 in 21 full seasons leading the Utes, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2008. His résumé, which includes a 66.8% win percentage, is such that he’s expected to eventually be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer was among the coaches the Wolverines were linked to, but the timeline for that potential hiring fell apart when DeBoer led the Crimson Tide to a first-round playoff victory over Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide next play on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. The NCAA transfer portal opens on Jan. 2, which made that potential hire a big risk in terms of keeping the roster together.

Michigan is playing Texas on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl, but interim coach Biff Poggi warned that the program may be down as many as 25 players.

The potential hiring of Whittingham may provide a stabilizing of the roster before the transfer portal officially opens.