Michigan football player Kyle Whittingham addresses rumors that he was forced out in Utah

Michigan’s new coach will bring a number of his assistants with him to Ann Arbor.

Kyle Whittingham says he will bring “seven or eight” assistant coaches with him to the University of Michigan, fueling speculation that the former Utes coach’s move could reshape the staffs at Utah and BYU in the coming days.

“Urban [Meyer] and I’m very tight,” Whittingham said Sunday morning when he was introduced as the Wolverines’ new head coach. “I got some advice from him. He’s been to a few places and the key is to get people to trust you; get people you know who do things their way. I know what to expect and what my expectations are.”

Shortly after Whittingham’s press conference, CBS Sports reported that Michigan plans to hire BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill.

Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck is reportedly a target for the Michigan offensive coordinator job.

Whittingham said Sunday that the Wolverines will run a spread offense, the same system Beck used this year at Utah. He also said the offense would suit Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.

“I think the offense that we’re going to put in here is going to suit him on the tee,” Whittingham said. “I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience.”

Whittingham also indirectly addressed any rumors about being pushed out of the Utah job.

“To answer your question, the university treated me well during my time there,” Whittingham said when asked if he was treated well before he left. “The community — you know, we’ve had 100 direct sales and counting — and the support, it’s just been a very enjoyable ride in Salt Lake City.”

Whittingham reiterated that it was his “decision to step down” after 21 years in office.

“Again, I felt it was the right time and I’ve seen too many coaches who have lasted too long and people say, ‘Damn, why didn’t I retire two or three years ago?’ That type of deal,” Whittingham said.

“Before last season, I considered stepping down, but we had such a frustrating season. We were at the fifth quarterback at the end of the year and it was so frustrating that I just couldn’t end on that note. So I came back and righted the ship, so to speak, and we got back on track.”

Two weeks ago, Whittingham didn’t know what was next for his coaching career. He was supposed to resign from the Utes after the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

But on Dec. 10, former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was fired for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was arrested later that night for allegedly threatening a woman in her apartment.

Whittingham announced his decision to retire days later, and the Wolverines chimed in, desperate for a change.

Now, Whittingham is trying to get the Wolverines back on track and back in the College Football Playoff.

“I still have a lot left in the tank,” Whittingham said. “I knew they existed [a certain number of schools] that you can count on one hand… that if they called I would listen and be receptive to what they said.

“Michigan was one of those schools, it’s definitely a top five job in the country without a doubt. I’m just excited to be here.”

Whittingham’s family is already trading Utah red for Wolverines corn and blue.

“I can’t say enough about how excited me, my family and my wife are to be here,” Whittingham said. “I have 8-year-old grandsons who are instant Michigan fans. They changed their team to Michigan at a college football game.”