Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham is facing serious accusations from former players from the University of Utah. These players have spoken out to local media, expressing concerns over their treatment while Whittingham led the team.
Defensive end Van Fillinger, along with five other players who played for the Utah Utes between 2020 and 2024, have claimed they were pressured to return to play before their injuries healed completely. These allegations were made in an interview with Jason Batacao of The Salt Lake Tribune.
Fillinger detailed his experience, sharing that he suffered a broken tibia and had decided with his position coach to take a redshirt season for recovery. However, when a fellow pass rusher suffered an ACL tear a few weeks into the season, Fillinger claims the coach approached him with a change in plans.
“Coach [Lewis Powell] came into rehab one day and he said, ‘Hey, Van, coach [Kyle] Whittingham is not going to let you redshirt,’” Fillinger remembered. “I’m thinking, ‘What the hell? I’ve already been out three games.’”
He further alleged that he was threatened with removal from the team if he refused to play.
A spokesperson for Michigan responded to these claims, emphasizing that Whittingham did not make medical decisions at Utah, but relied on the guidance of the medical team. Meanwhile, Utah’s athletic department stressed that student health remains a priority.
Their statement clarified their commitment to following university and national guidelines for student success and safety. They also offered to evaluate processes and adjust policies as needed.
“If any student-athlete believes they are not being treated fairly, or that their injuries are not being taken seriously, we encourage them to speak up so that we can listen, address concerns, and ensure every student-athlete receives the care and support they deserve,” they said.
Jaylon Glover, another former player, shared his perspective, noting a disconnect between the training staff and the coaching staff. He recalled, “I feel like a lot of the times the training staff would be on one page, but the coaching staff was on another because it was all about, ‘We need him back.’”