Hold on to your helmets, because this coaching carousel just took an unexpected turn! Despite whispers and speculation suggesting otherwise, Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was never in the running for the Michigan Wolverines’ head coaching job. According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Stenavich didn’t even interview for the position—and here’s the part most people miss—he was reportedly never considered a candidate at all. But here’s where it gets controversial: Why was his name floated so heavily in the first place? Could it be because of his deep-rooted ties to Michigan, where he played under Lloyd Carr from 2001 to 2005, helping the Wolverines clinch a Big Ten title? Or was it just media hype?
Earlier reports from Football Scoop had labeled Stenavich a “popular name” in the search, citing his pre-Jim Harbaugh connections and his All-Big Ten accolades during his playing days. After his NFL career, which included a two-year stint with the Packers, Stenavich returned to Michigan as a strength and conditioning intern in 2011, later transitioning to a graduate assistant role. Since then, he’s built an impressive coaching resume, with stops at Northern Arizona, San Jose State, the San Francisco 49ers, and now the Packers, where he’s been the offensive coordinator since 2022.
Here’s a fun fact: Stenavich is currently tied with Miami’s Frank Smith and Minnesota’s Wes Phillips as one of the longest-tenured offensive coordinators in the NFL. Last year, he even interviewed for play-calling roles and was a candidate for the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy. So, why wasn’t he a serious contender for Michigan? Was it a matter of timing, or did the Wolverines simply have their sights set elsewhere?
Ultimately, the job went to former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who stepped down from his position with the Utes just two weeks ago. But this raises another question: Did Whittingham leave Utah on his own terms, or was he nudged out to make way for defensive coordinator Morgan Calley, who was reportedly next in line?
This coaching saga leaves us with plenty to ponder. Was Stenavich overlooked, or was he never truly in the mix? And what does Whittingham’s appointment mean for Michigan’s future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over!
