Michigan dismisses offensive coordinator Jason Beck after 5-4 start

Ann Arbor, Michigan. Head football coach Kyle Whittingham dismissed offensive coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday night. This move marks the first major personnel change since Whittingham arrived at the University of Michigan. The decision follows a season in which the Wolverines have struggled to score points consistently.

Whittingham stated in a release that the results did not match the team's desired outcomes. He said he felt a leadership change was necessary for the offense. The goal is to place the offensive players and the entire team in the best possible position to succeed. The coach emphasized the need for a new direction on the field.

The Wolverines currently hold a 5-4 overall record. Their mark in Big Ten play stands at 2-4. The team entered the season ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25. They now face a challenging schedule. Michigan plays at No. 18 Oregon on Saturday as the underdog. They will then host No. 4 UCLA. The season concludes with a road trip to face 21st-ranked Ohio State.

Statistical data reflects the offensive difficulties. Under Beck, Michigan ranked No. 132 out of 138 FBS teams in total offense. The team ranked No. 126 in scoring offense. Passing offense placed at No. 125, while rushing offense stood at No. 109. The Wolverines were held scoreless in the first half three times this season. This is the first time that has happened since 1979.

Whittingham named Jim Harding as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Harding serves as the offensive line coach and assistant head coach. He worked with Whittingham for 12 seasons at the University of Utah. During that time, he spent two years as the co-offensive coordinator. Harding takes over the role immediately.

Beck served as Whittingham's offensive coordinator at Utah last season. In that role, he helped the team rank No. 2 in rushing and No. 4 in total offense. Before joining Utah, Beck was the offensive coordinator at New Mexico in 2024. Whittingham praised Beck in his statement, calling him a great man and coach. The head coach said he and his staff appreciate the hard work Beck dedicated to the program.

Tensions on the roster became public after a 20-14 loss to Minnesota last month. Tight end Zach Marshall sent critical messages about Beck in group text chats. Those messages were leaked on social media. Marshall publicly apologized for the comments. He did not play in the subsequent game against Penn State due to a noninjury situation, according to Whittingham.

The quarterback position drew close attention throughout the year. Bryce Underwood, a former top recruit, was benched in favor of backup Tommy Carr. Carr is the grandson of College Hall of Famers and the brother of a quarterback at Notre Dame. Carr entered the game against Penn State after Michigan was held scoreless in the first half. He led the team to a comeback win. Carr struggled in the later loss to Michigan State, but Whittingham said the offensive staff wanted to stick with him. The head coach agreed with that decision.

The loss to Michigan State highlighted the offensive inconsistency. The Wolverines were favored by two touchdowns but lost 15-6. They scored with 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. That was the first time since 2014 that Michigan avoided being shut out in such a close contest. The team must now find a way to score under new leadership in the final weeks of the season.