Michigan fires offensive coordinator Jason Beck after historically poor offensive season
Kyle Whittingham dismissed offensive coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday night, marking the Michigan head coach's first major personnel decision since taking over the program. The Wolverines, sitting at 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play, ranked near the bottom of all FBS programs in total offense, scoring, and passing this season after entering the year ranked 16th in the AP Top 25. Whittingham named offensive line coach and assistant head coach Jim Harding as interim coordinator for the remainder of the season; Harding previously worked alongside Whittingham for 12 seasons at Utah, including two years as co-offensive coordinator. The move follows a locker-room controversy in which a tight end publicly criticized Beck via leaked group text messages, and ongoing uncertainty at quarterback between former top recruit Bryce Underwood and backup Tommy Carr.
Why it matters
For coaches: Coordinators at Power Four programs can face mid-season dismissal when offensive production falls dramatically below expectations, even in a first year on the job.
For athletes: Michigan's offensive players will adjust to a new play-caller for the final stretch of the season, with bowl eligibility still in question.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham fires embattled offensive coordinator Jason Beck