Freddie Whittingham has arrived in Ann Arbor, taking on the role of Michigan’s new tight ends coach and joining his brother Kyle Whittingham on the same staff. Their collaboration dates back to 2012, making this the first time the brothers have worked together in the Midwest.
A Proven Track Record
During his tenure at Utah, Freddie oversaw the development of several tight ends who reached the NFL, most notably Dalton Kincaid, who was selected first overall by the Denver Broncos in 2023. Kincaid often credited fellow tight ends Brant Kuithe and Cole Fotheringham for their growth under Freddie’s guidance, with Kuithe earning second‑team All‑Pac‑12 honors for three seasons and first‑team All‑Big 12 recognition as a senior in 2024.
Freddie’s coaching philosophy centers on creating tight ends who can both block and catch, frequently employing multiple‑tight‑end sets to maximize versatility. His approach emphasizes clear role definitions early in the season, a strategy he plans to apply to Michigan’s group of four tight ends.
The health of Hogan Hansen and Zack Marshall is critical to unlocking their potential, as Hansen battled injuries during his first two collegiate seasons. Jalen Hoffman, primarily known as a blocking specialist, has shown flashes of receiving ability and could evolve into a dual‑threat weapon under Freddie’s tutelage.
If Freddie can replicate the development he achieved in Utah, Michigan’s tight ends could become a major factor in the team’s offensive scheme this season, adding depth, flexibility, and a competitive edge against conference rivals.