Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham fires embattled offensive coordinator Jason Beck

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has dismissed offensive coordinator Jason Beck amid a lackluster offensive performance. "The results have not met our expectations, and a change in leadership is necessary for our offense," Whittingham stated in a Sunday night release. "We must give our players and the entire team the best chance to succeed."

Jim Harding, currently the offensive line coach and assistant head coach, has been appointed as interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Harding and Whittingham have collaborated for 12 seasons at Utah, including two years as co-offensive coordinators. The Wolverines (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) began the season ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25 but have underperformed with a subpar offense, shaky special teams, and a solid defense at times.

Michigan may miss the bowl game after being underdogs against 6-3 Oregon at home, 21st-ranked Ohio State on the road, and potentially 4-2 UCLA. Michigan narrowly escaped a shutout for the first time since 2014, losing 15-6 to Michigan State after being favored by two touchdowns. The team struggled in the first half, being held scoreless three times, a first since 1979.

In Beck's tenure, Michigan was ranked 132nd out of 138 FBS teams in total offense, 126th in scoring, 125th in passing offense, and 109th in rushing offense. Beck, Whittingham's offensive coordinator at Utah last season, helped the team rank 2nd in rushing, 4th in total offense, and 5th in scoring offense. New Mexico's offensive coordinator in 2024, Beck was informed he was let go, with Whittingham acknowledging Beck's contributions to the program.

"Jason has worked hard and devoted great effort to the program," Whittingham said. "He is a fine man and coach. Unfortunately, the outcome at Michigan did not meet our expectations, and we wish Jason and his family well in the future." Following a 20-14 loss to Minnesota last month, when quarterback Bryce Underwood performed poorly after a strong showing against Iowa, tight end Zach Marshall criticized Beck in leaked group texts.

Marshall later apologized but missed the subsequent game against Penn State due to a non-injury issue, according to Whittingham. Michigan's quarterback situation, managed by Beck, drew attention after No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood was benched in favor of backup Tommy Carr. Carr filled in for Underwood in a comeback win against Penn State but struggled against Ohio State.

Despite various offensive coordinators, Michigan has failed to consistently execute on offense, leading to Beck's dismissal.