Utah sues Freddie Whittingham over breach of contract
· Yahoo Sports
College football is experiencing an increased frequency of lawsuits. The bulk of the concern with lawsuits stems from players using the court system as their eligibility appeals process.
While that logic can apply to player eligibility, it is not the only criterion for legal action. The recent lawsuit filed by the University of Utah deals more with contract law than player eligibility.
Visit arroznegro.club for more information.
Freddie Whittingham, brother to Kyle Whittingham, is being sued by the Utah Utes for breach of contract. The basis of the lawsuit essentially centers around ‘how’ Whittingham left and not focusing on Utah football.
On August 3, the University of Utah filed a lawsuit against their former Tight Ends coach allegedly over abandoning his role after his brother Kyle Whittingham accepted the Michigan job. According to Utah, Freddie Whittingham was under contract until January 2027.
Utah is seeking $300,000 from the former position coach and at least $1M in general and special damages. The lawsuit claims Whittingham failed to follow proper steps prior to leaving and failed to pay “liquidated damages”.
Those factors include failure to provide written consent, failure to provide written notice of resignation and failure to “devote full-time attention and energy to the duties” as a Utah assistant. Also included is an accusation that Whittingham actively recruited Utah players and recruits to Michigan while still employed by Utah.
The Whittinghams are in Michigan, but Utah is moving forward
Currently, both Kyle and Freddie Whittingham are conducting the business of Michigan football. According to Rival.com, under Whittingham, in short order, the Wolverines are ranked 10th in the 2027 recruiting class. Including five Utah transfers and three top-100 recruits, which includes the recently signed 4-star Lincoln Mageo who committed on Saturday.
Unlike Michigan, which is starting with new people and a new approach, Utah has the benefit of steady as it goes. Morgan Scalley took over after the departure of Whittingham. An eventuality that is an ‘as expected’ result. Scalley held the unofficial title of head coach in waiting for some time. Scalley is a familiar voice and face to the Utah program.
Utah is no recruiting afterthought, however. With 20 hard commits in 2027 and a top 50 ranking nationally, Utah seems to be in good hands moving forward. Each of those 20 hard commits coming in with 85 or higher national rankings.
Utah looks to take a step forward after Whittingham through consistency and not reinventing the wheel. “Utah football is a brand that is very recognizable,” Scalley said at Big 12 media days. “It’s a very physical brand and it’s very family oriented. I don’t know if I necessarily want to change that recipe for success.”
Utah and coach Scalley welcome Idaho to Salt Lake City to begin the season. That game will kick off at 9pm ET and will broadcast on ESPN.
More Utah Utes News:
Utah football in a strong early position with 2028 TE Steeler Wesley
Why Morgan Scalley's RSNB culture has Utah as early favorite for blue-chip defender
Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran
'They develop players': 2028 WR Amarion Taylor talks Utah offer