Utah sues Freddie Whittingham, claiming that former tight ends coach breached contract

The University of Utah has filed a lawsuit against Freddie Whittingham, alleging the former Utes tight ends coach breached his contract. The case was filed Aug. 3 in Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court. Utah’s complaint follows a rapid coaching move by Kyle Whittingham: he stepped down as Utah’s head coach on Dec. 12 and was hired by Michigan on Dec. 26. Reports from Jan. 1, 2026 indicated Freddie Whittingham was set to join Michigan’s staff, and Michigan confirmed the hire Jan. 7. Utah claims that around Jan. 1 Freddie contacted associate athletic director for administration Jeff Rudy, was told he remained employed through his agreement, and that his contract runs through Jan. 31, 2027. Utah alleges Freddie abandoned his role, cleared his office at the Utah football facility, missed hosting recruits around Jan. 3, negotiated for Michigan, and—according to Utah—recruited players and recruits while still under contract.