Michigan fires offensive coordinator Jason Beck, names Jim Harding interim

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham announced on Sunday that offensive coordinator Jason Beck has been dismissed. "The results have not matched our desired outcome, and I felt that a change in leadership was required for our offense," Whittingham said in a statement. He added that the move is intended to put the offensive players and the entire team in the best possible position to succeed.

Whittingham promoted offensive line coach and assistant head coach Jim Harding to serve as interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Harding previously worked with Whittingham for 12 seasons at Utah, including two years as co-offensive coordinator.

The Wolverines, currently 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, entered the season ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25 but have struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the 138-team FBS field in total offense, scoring, passing and rushing. Michigan faces a challenging schedule that includes games against No. 18 Oregon, No. 4 UCLA and rival Ohio State.

Beck, who served as Whittingham’s offensive coordinator at Utah last season, had previously helped Utah rank No. 2 in rushing and No. 4 in total offense. Prior to joining Michigan, he was New Mexico’s offensive coordinator in 2024.

Whittingham said, "We appreciate the hard work and effort that Jason has dedicated to the program. Jason is a great man and coach, and unfortunately, it did not work out the way that we wanted it to at Michigan. We wish Jason and his family nothing but the best in the future."

The decision follows a series of offensive setbacks, including a 15-6 loss to Michigan State in which Michigan scored only late in the game, and being held scoreless in the first half of three games for the first time since 1979. Quarterback changes and criticism from players also contributed to the scrutiny of Beck's tenure.