Michigan Football Embraces Discipline Under New Coach Whittingham

Players respond positively to strict rules and consequences for missing workouts and classes.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented Michigan football practice or game, with sharp planes of maize and blue colors representing the team's new disciplined culture under coach Whittingham.Whittingham's disciplined approach aims to reshape Michigan football's culture through strict accountability.Ann Arbor Today

The Michigan football program has undergone a major shift in culture under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who has implemented strict discipline and accountability measures. Players are facing tough punishments for missing workouts or classes, with entire position groups or the entire offense and defense being required to come in for early morning sessions as consequences. The players have embraced this new approach, seeing it as a way to improve themselves both on and off the field.

Why it matters

Discipline and accountability are critical for building a successful college football program. Whittingham's no-nonsense approach aims to instill these values in the Michigan players, which could pay dividends on the field and help develop them into better people. This shift in culture is a significant change from the previous coaching staff and signals a new era for the Wolverines.

The details

Under Whittingham's rules, players face escalating punishments for missing workouts or classes. If a player misses a workout, they have to come in at 6 a.m. on a Wednesday or Saturday. If they miss two workouts, their entire position group has to come in early. And if they miss a third workout, the entire offense or defense has to report for the early session. There is also a daily list that goes out of players who missed class, with each position group having its own punishment for those players.

  • In December, before the bowl game, Michigan offensive lineman Jake Guarnera discussed Whittingham's initial meeting with the team and his focus on bringing discipline back to the program.
  • Four months later, in April, the players say the discipline is firmly in place and they have embraced the new approach.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football team, who has implemented strict discipline and accountability measures.

Jake Guarnera

A Michigan offensive lineman who discussed Whittingham's focus on discipline in the initial team meeting.

Andrew Sprague

A Michigan offensive tackle who said the players have responded well to Whittingham's discipline.

Kendrick Bell

A Michigan receiver who considered leaving the team after the previous coaching staff, but has embraced the new discipline under Whittingham.

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What they’re saying

“We have something in place through the strength and development staff. If you miss a workout, you're coming in at 6 a.m., either a Wednesday or Saturday. You miss two, your whole unit's coming in, and you miss a third one, the entire offense or defense is coming in. That's something that keeps people on track.”

— Jake Guarnera, Michigan Offensive Lineman

“Definitely a lot more leadership and accountability on this team.”

— Andrew Sprague, Michigan Offensive Tackle

“It's good, because it's not only making you a better football player, it's making you a good human, a good person. You know what they say, the Michigan way — go to class, get the degree, do all this and get to capitalize on the field as well.”

— Kendrick Bell, Michigan Receiver

What’s next

The Michigan football team will continue to practice under Whittingham's strict discipline throughout the spring and into the upcoming season, as they look to build a winning culture and develop players both on and off the field.

The takeaway

Whittingham's emphasis on discipline and accountability at Michigan represents a significant shift in the program's culture. By holding players responsible for their actions and creating consequences for missing commitments, the new coaching staff is working to mold the Wolverines into a more focused, dedicated, and successful team.