Three years in, Fickell is 17-21. During the season, speculation swirled about his job status, and when the school announced he was returning for 2026, the Badgers actually perked up and played well down the stretch. But they still went 4-8, their worst record in 35 years.

After a tumultuous few weeks, Michigan football is finalizing a deal to hire legendary Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to run the program.

Per ESPN's Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel, Whittingham has "emerged as the focus" of the Wolverines' search and a deal could come together if key school officials approve of him as the choice.