Michigan dismisses OC Jason Beck, faces $10 million buyout

Michigan fired offensive coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday after the Wolverines’ 15‑6 defeat to Michigan State left the unit with just 192 total yards. Jim Harding, the offensive line coach, will take over as interim coordinator for the rest of the season. Beck arrived in Ann Arbor as the nation’s highest‑paid OC, following head coach Kyle Whittingham from Utah where they had a successful season together. In Michigan’s 5‑4 campaign, the offense ranked near the bottom of the FBS, sitting 125th in passing, 126th in scoring and 132nd in total offense out of 138 teams. Whittingham said the results fell short of expectations and a leadership change was needed, adding that Beck had worked hard and was a great coach but the fit was wrong. Earlier in the year, Michigan benched former five‑star quarterback Bryce Underwood for freshman Tommy Carr, but the attack never found rhythm. The loss to Indiana earlier in the season, 13‑6 with only 57 rushing yards on 42 carries, added to the pressure. Michigan faces a buyout that could reach $10.2 million, covering a three‑year deal that paid Beck $2.8 million this season and would have risen above $3 million in the next two years. Sources say it may become the most costly assistant coach buyout, though offsets could reduce the payout. The Wolverines are also searching for a new athletic director after Warde Manuel’s departure, and Whittingham’s own job security is being questioned as the program looks for a turnaround.

Context

In college football, coaching staff contracts often include large buyout clauses that schools must pay if they fire the coach before the contract ends. Such payouts can strain athletic budgets, especially when combined with high‑priced recruiting and facilities spending. A mid‑season coordinator change is intended to spark better performance but does not guarantee immediate improvement.