Whittingham Tightens Michigan Culture With Discipline-First Spring

Overview

• Michigan players this week detailed a clear shift under new coach Kyle Whittingham, saying the program now runs with stricter standards and sharper attention to detail.
• Concrete rules include early arrival expectations, meetings that start five minutes before the posted time, and a building-wide air horn that signals the start.
• Coaches are tying class attendance to practice eligibility, which players say builds trust off the field and confidence in late-game moments.
• Strength training has been reshaped under Doug Elisaia, with tougher, earlier lifts and visible gains such as defensive tackle Trey Pierce cutting to 300 pounds while adding muscle.
• Practices are shorter at two hours but have little idle time, and Whittingham graded winter conditioning an A+, with the April spring game set to show whether the changes carry over to the field.