Michigan football's new head coach Kyle Whittingham emphasizes discipline and has initiated significant changes within the program, positively impacting team morale and cohesion.
Key points
Kyle Whittingham is the new head coach of Michigan football.
Whittingham emphasizes discipline within the program.
Team morale has improved under Whittingham's leadership.
Lugard Edokpayi is taking on a leadership role as an older player.
Mentioned in this story
Kyle Whittingham
Michigan footballLugard Edokpayi
Michigan football's new coach brings discipline and a 'great change'
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- While new Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham has praised the culture he inherited in Ann Arbor, there were definitely a lot of changes that needed to be made. Much of the talk surrounding spring ball was centered on Whittingham asserting some discipline, and from all accounts, that's been a major, positive change within the program.
But what's more, for a player like third-year edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi, there's just a different feeling compared to his first two years with the program.
"Just, I'd say the overall vibe of the team, the locker room, the morale," Edokpayi said. "Even with the coaches, you didn't know what to expect having a new staff come in. So, I'd say just how everybody stayed together, that's one. And just, yeah, all the players, I mean, since I'm kind of transitioning from that younger guy to older guy, you see, I kind of have to take that role of saying how you're doing to the younger guys, kind of leading them on. So, just, yeah, being closer together."
Michigan football special teams coach Kerry Coombs
Bryce Underwood
Q&A
What changes has Kyle Whittingham implemented at Michigan football?
Kyle Whittingham has focused on instilling discipline and fostering a positive team culture since taking over as head coach.
How has the team morale changed under the new Michigan football coach?
Players, including edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi, have reported a noticeable improvement in team morale and cohesion since Whittingham's arrival.
Who is the new head coach of Michigan football?
Kyle Whittingham is the new head coach of Michigan football, bringing a focus on discipline and team unity.
What is Lugard Edokpayi's role in the Michigan football team?
Lugard Edokpayi is a third-year edge rusher who is transitioning into a leadership role, helping to guide younger players on the team.
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One of the big changes was Whittingham's hiring of strength coach Doug Elisaia. Though the previous staff was comprised of the holdovers from Ben Herbert's acclaimed group, the results weren't quite the same. Now, according to Edokpayi, Elisaia's staff has made substantial improvements, and it's starting to yield early results.
"Strength staff, it's a great change," Edokpayi said. "I say this for me. A lot of guys say to me, they just feel like we're getting much more stronger physically. We're just faster, explosiveness. Strength staff, it's like the best of both worlds. You come in, and you're just in the gym constantly for the first half of spring ball. You're putting on weight, putting on weight, putting on weight. You're so eager to play football, and then finally get to play football, finally get to be coached by these coaches that were brought in. It's like, wow, it's just amazing."
While many tend to look around at other programs and deem them more ready, more talented, that's not an excuse that's whispering through the walls of Schembechler Hall. In fact, they're quite aware that they're flying under the radar, rife with talent.
Edokpayi noted that there are multiple groups that are brimming with ability, and he feels like the talent can carry this team a long way this season.
"Talent-wise, yeah, I feel like, man, the sky's the limit for this team this year," Edokpayi said. "Because to be a talent in every room, you know, you see the offense, you look at the receiver room, you look at the running back room. Even on defense, we have a lot of talent in this school that is going to be good defensively. So, the sky's the limit for our team. "
Michigan has officially concluded spring ball and will return in June, with summer conditioning leading the way toward fall camp and eventually the Sept. 5 season opener against Western Michigan.
