Former Michigan national title winner said what fans needed to hear on Kyle Whittingham

People truly don't seem to have a bad thing to say about Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, which is exactly what the Wolverines need after the last few years.

Believe it or not, it was a little over two years ago that the Michigan Wolverines pulled off their own undefeated run to win the National Championship. On that team was tight end AJ Barner, who's about to play in Super Bowl LX.

In the week leading up to the second national title game of his life, Barner joined the masses in praising Whittingham and said exactly what Michigan fans need to hear about their new leader.

AJ Barner has faith in Kyle Whittingham

"He's a proven winner, and I think that he fits the Michigan identity of playing physical," Barner said. "So, I'm excited about it."

Man, it sure doesn't hurt to have a National Championship winner and current NFL star in your corner, which is seemingly exactly what Whittingham has in Barner, who never played for or against the head coach while still in college.

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He's certainly right about Whittingham being a proven winner. During his 22 years with the Utah Utes, he earned a 177-88 overall record, won three conference titles (Mountain West 2008, Pac-12 2021, 2022), and 11 bowl game victories out of 17 postseason appearances.

Barner played just one season with the Wolverines, transferring to Michigan in 2023, but amassed 249 yards and a touchdown in 10 games, including the Big Ten Championship. He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2024 and has since had a resounding two-year career for the Seattle Seahawks.

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Over the last two seasons, Barner has earned 764 receiving yards, 14 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns, including 13 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game.