New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham responds to Ohio State rivalry

This is going to be tough. As Ohio State fans, we’re supposed to hate everything Michigan, especially the head coach. And to be honest, the previous two regimes made it an easy thing to do. Both Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore were insufferable for Buckeye Nation. Not because of a four-game win streak, but because they finally won four games and they acted like they had been doing it for years. The constant crying about referees, taunting fans on the sidelines, and allowing players to act classless with flag plants all made it second nature to dislike the leaders of the Maize and Blue.

But now, one of the most likable characters in the last 20 years of college football will walk the sidelines in Ann Arbor. Today, at his introductory press conference, Kyle Whittingham was asked a variety of questions regarding his plans and goals for the team, among other topics. One reporter got right to the point, asking his thoughts on Ohio State. Completely opposite of his predecessors, Whittingham answered in a way that made him feel more like a lovable Labrador Retriever than a hated rival, saying, “I do now, I guess,” leading to a room full of laughter.

It sounds like the new Wolverine head coach understands the magnitude of the rivalry, but also recognizes the need for respect. He would go on to say that watching Ohio State and Michigan as a youngster helped him fall in love with football. Just listen to his response below and how much admiration Whittingham has for Ohio State, having coached with Urban Meyer at Utah as Meyer’s defensive coordinator.

It’s going to be really hard for OSU fans to hate Kyle Whittingham. Maybe things will change through the course of the season. I mean, the dark side has a way of swaying even the best of men into being the villain in the story. Until then, Buckeye Nation, we must do our best to dislike the guy … I guess.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham dishes on Ohio State rivalry

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