College Football8 Nov 20261 minute read

Michigan Fires Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck After Rivalry Loss

Michigan parted ways with Jason Beck after a 15-6 loss to Michigan State. The Wolverines offense has struggled all season.

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Big Change in Ann Arbor

Michigan has fired offensive coordinator Jason Beck. The announcement came Sunday afternoon, just one day after a 15-6 home loss to rival Michigan State.

First year head coach Kyle Whittingham brought Beck over from Utah, but the offense never got going. Michigan drops to 5-4 on the year and ranks 17th in scoring offense in the Big Ten. The team has scored fewer than 20 points in six of its nine games and has cleared 28 points only once.

Offensive Struggles and Buyout Details

Against Michigan State, the Wolverines did not score for more than 58 minutes. It marked Michigan's first loss in 30 years when keeping an opponent without a touchdown.

According to his contract terms, Beck is owed up to $10.1 million in buyout money. That includes nearly $7 million in salary and almost $3.1 million in retention bonuses, though the money is subject to offset and mitigation. It is believed to be the largest buyout ever given to a college assistant coach.

Offensive line coach Jim Harding takes over as interim offensive coordinator for the rest of the season. Whittingham will conduct a national search for a permanent replacement after the season.

"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.

Season Troubles Mount

The unit averages just 19.6 points and 5 yards per play. Off the field, tight end Zack Marshall apologized last month for leaked text messages that criticized Beck and the scheme.

Michigan even changed quarterbacks in October, replacing Bryce Underwood with Tommy Carr. Carr showed promise in a 28-21 win over Rutgers on Oct. 31, but he threw for just 138 yards and two interceptions in the loss to Michigan State.

What it means for the next game

Michigan Wolverines at Oregon Ducks (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Oregon Ducks win 78%, Michigan Wolverines win 22%; projected score Oregon Ducks 26, Michigan Wolverines 15. Our safest pick: Oregon to win.