The University of Utah is suing former tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham for breach of contract after he left the Utes to join his brother, Kyle Whittingham, on the coaching staff at Michigan in January. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 3 in Utah’s 3rd District Court, alleges Whittingham abandoned his position and failed to pay required liquidated damages despite having a contract through Jan. 31, 2027.
Allegations of Job Abandonment
According to the lawsuit filed in Utah’s 3rd District Court, the university alleges that Freddie Whittingham abandoned his job duties on or around Jan. 1, 2026. The legal action seeks more than $300,000 for breach of contract and at least $1 million in general and special damages based on a fiduciary-duty claim, in addition to punitive damages.
Freddie Whittingham, who had been with the Utah football program since 2012 in various capacities, was serving as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at the time of his departure. His contract included an annual base salary of $525,000 and was set to remain in effect until the end of January 2027.
Timeline of Departure
The lawsuit details a series of events occurring in early January 2026. According to the suit, Utah associate athletic director Jeff Rudy called Freddie Whittingham on Jan. 1 and informed him that he remained employed by the university. This call coincided with media reports surfacing that same day regarding a group of assistant coaches leaving Utah for Michigan.
That night, Rudy reportedly located Freddie Whittingham and his family members cleaning out his office at the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Facility. Rudy checked the office again one hour later and found it empty, according to the legal filing. The following day, Jan. 2, Freddie Whittingham was observed at a Michigan basketball game alongside his brother, Kyle Whittingham, and other former Utah staff members.
Contractual Violations
The legal complaint alleges several specific violations of Whittingham's employment agreement. The university claims he failed to devote full-time attention and energy to the Utah football program and failed to provide written notice of his resignation before accepting a position with the Wolverines.
Furthermore, the lawsuit states that Whittingham did not obtain written consent from the University of Utah before engaging with Michigan officials regarding an assistant coaching position in Ann Arbor in January, a requirement stipulated by his contract. On Jan. 3, an unnamed Utah athletics employee reportedly received an email from Michigan associate athletic director Jerry Wood requesting the transfer of Freddie Whittingham’s phone line to Michigan’s account.
Recruitment Allegations
The lawsuit also includes a claim regarding the recruitment of players. Utah alleges that Freddie Whittingham actively recruited Utah players and recruits to Michigan while still officially employed by the university.
Specifically, the suit notes that five Utah players who entered the NCAA transfer portal ultimately committed to Michigan. This group included tight end JJ Buchanan, who was a major contributor for the Utes during the 2025 season, recording 26 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns.
Dispute Over Liquidated Damages
A central component of the dispute involves liquidated damages required by the coach's contract. If a coach voluntarily terminates an agreement without cause to take another college or professional coaching position, the contract requires payment of liquidated damages equaling 75% of the annual salary for each full year remaining on the contract, plus a prorated amount for any partial years.
Utah’s athletic department claims it sent Freddie Whittingham an email on Jan. 16 requesting payment and written confirmation of payment terms by Jan. 31. Whittingham reportedly replied on Jan. 21, disputing the requirement to pay such damages. The lawsuit notes that while six coaches who left for Michigan had similar liquidated damages provisions, Freddie Whittingham is the only one who has not complied with the terms.
Current Status of Litigation
A spokesperson for the University of Utah declined to comment on the specific details of the lawsuit, stating that the matter involves pending litigation. Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the legal action. Freddie Whittingham's contract was intended to run through the end of January 2027.
