Michigan Fired Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday, According to a School Announcement Made

Michigan fires Jason Beck

Michigan fired offensive coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday, according to a school announcement made one day after the Wolverines lost 15-6 to Michigan State.

The decision follows a season where the offense struggled to produce, managing only 192 total yards in the loss to the Spartans. CBS Sports reported that Beck was the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the country.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed the move, stating that the results did not match the program’s desired outcome. “I felt that a change in leadership was required for our offense,” Whittingham said in a statement. “We need to put our offensive players and the entire team in the best possible position to be successful.”

Michigan fires offensive coordinator Jason Beck

The $10 million buyout

The firing comes with a massive financial obligation for the university. CBS Sports reported that Michigan will owe Beck as much as $10.2 million to buy out a three-year deal. This figure is subject to offset mitigation.

According to reports from SI.com, the contract included a $1.74 million signing bonus and was structured to pay approximately $3 million per year. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that this is believed to be the highest buyout ever paid to an assistant coach.

Michigan Fired Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck on Sunday, According to a School Announcement Made — Photo: si.com

The financial hit shows how much Michigan invested in its offensive staff. The Wolverines possessed one of the nation’s most expensive rosters and had invested heavily in the offensive side of the ball.

Michigan offense ranks among the lowest in the FBS

The move follows a period of deep statistical decline for the Michigan offense. Through nine games, the team’s efficiency was among the lowest in the FBS.

Per the terms of his contract, Jason Beck is set to be owed up to $10.1 million dollars. That's nearly $7 million in salary and nearly $3.1 in retention bonuses. The contract is subject to off-set and mitigation. It's believed to be the biggest buyout for a college assistant. https://t.co/wkZ6vnb6tZ

— Post by @PeteThamel on X

Offensive Category	National Rank (out of 138)
Passing Offense	125th
Scoring Offense	126th
Total Offense	132nd

FoxSports.com noted that the offense has been held below 20 points in six of its nine games. The team averages 19.6 points per game, which ranks 17th in the Big Ten but 126th nationally.

The struggles were evident in specific matchups, such as a 13-6 loss to Indiana where the offense managed only 57 rushing yards on 42 carries. SI.com reported that the rushing attack currently ranks 109th nationally, averaging just 128 yards per game.

Michigan offensive coordinator Jason Beck FIRED after Michigan State loss

Quarterback changes and coaching shifts

Michigan attempted to spark the offense earlier this season by changing quarterbacks. The school benched five-star recruit Bryce Underwood in favor of freshman Tommy Carr, but the offensive output failed to improve.

Offensive line coach Jim Harding will serve as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Harding followed Whittingham to Michigan after a 12-year tenure with the Utah Utes.

Michigan Fires Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck Following Loss To Michigan State — Photo: foxsports.com

Whittingham indicated that the program will conduct a national search for a permanent offensive coordinator in 2027, according to SI.com.

Pressure on Kyle Whittingham

The instability extends beyond the offensive coordinator position. Michigan is currently in the process of searching for a new athletic director to replace outgoing leader Warde Manuel.