Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham calls for drastic minor league model to fix NIL issues

Kyle Whittingham used his first appearance as Michigan’s head coach at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday to outline his vision for addressing college football’s growing NIL challenges, arguing that the current system is not financially sustainable.

Whittingham has previously been vocal about changes affecting the sport and continued that stance by stressing the need for structural reform rather than maintaining the current trajectory.

“I believe we have to have a salary cap,” said Whittingham. “I believe in an NFL minor league model for college football is in its best interest. Maybe not exactly item for item, but conceptually. I can tell you right now with NIL rising 20, 30, 40%, it’s not sustainable to stay on the path we’re on right now. … There’s no guardrails, no parameters.

“I believe there’s got to be a seismic change in college football. I believe there will be in the next two, three, four years. Part of that will be getting a handle on the NIL and the salary cap.”

Whittingham also expressed conceptual support for the idea raised by LSU head coach Lane Kiffin of limiting how much incoming freshmen can receive through revenue-sharing, viewing it as another potential step toward stabilizing the system.

The discussion unfolded as the Protect College Sports Act remained a major topic throughout Big Ten Media Days. Negotiations on the legislation continued during the week, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune did not file cloture before the Senate adjourned Thursday, reducing the likelihood of a vote the following week.

When asked about the proposal, Whittingham said he was unfamiliar with its specific details but questioned whether it would provide only a short-term solution, reiterating his belief that broader, long-term changes to college football are inevitable.

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