University of Utah files lawsuit against former tight end coach Freddie Whittingham
Aug 20, 2026, 1:35 PM | Updated: Aug 21, 2026, 9:25 am
Freddie Whittingham, Utah's tight ends coach, stands on the field while a playing is under review during a game against the San Diego State Aztecs in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. The Utes won 35-7.
SATL LAKE CITY — Just ahead of the 2026 football season, the University of Utah has filed a lawsuit against former tight end coach Freddie Whittingham for a breach of contract, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
The university filed the lawsuit on Aug. 3 in Utah’s 3rd District Court following Whittingham’s departure at the beginning of the year from Utah to Michigan with his brother, Kyle Whittingham.
Utah is seeking $300,000 for a breach of contract and at least $1 million in other damages.
According to the suit, Utah says Whittingham “abandoned” his positions as tight end coach while still being employed with the university though Jan. 31, 2027.
Whittingham accepted the tight end coaching position at Michigan shortly after his brother accepted the head coaching position on Dec. 26, along with several other staffers and players.
The suit said Whittingham did not inform the university of his departure and had “actively recruited players and recruits” from the team to Michigan while still being employed at Utah.
Several top players, including defensive end John Henry Daley, receiver JJ Buchanan and defensive back Smith Snowden, followed the former coaching staff to Michigan. Recruit Salesi Moa, who signed with Utah, also entered the transfer portal and moved to Michigan.
