The University of Utah has filed a lawsuit against former assistant Freddie Whittingham for breach of contract, claiming he abandoned his position to join the coaching staff at Michigan. University attorneys filed the suit on Aug. 3 in Utah's Third District Court, alleging that Whittingham left his role as tight ends coach—under contract through January 2027—to take the same position at Michigan under his brother, Kyle Whittingham.

According to the lawsuit, Whittingham failed to obtain written consent from Utah before engaging with Michigan, did not provide written notice of resignation, refused to pay liquidated damages outlined in his contract, and failed to devote full-time attention to his duties. The complaint also accuses him of actively recruiting Utah players and recruits to Michigan while still employed by the Utes.

Utah is seeking more than $300,000 in breach of contract damages and at least $1 million for general and special damages. Whittingham had a base annual salary of $525,000 from Utah. He had worked under his brother since 2012, serving in various roles including director of player personnel, recruiting coordinator, and tight ends coach.

Kyle Whittingham, the winningest coach in Utah program history with a 177-88 record over 21 seasons, announced his departure from Utah in December 2025 before joining Michigan. Officials from both universities did not immediately respond for comment.