Michigan Football players, coaches react to offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s firing

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver JJ Buchanan #6 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on October 31, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham decided to fire offensive coordinator Jason Beck over the weekend. In the aftermath of Beck’s departure, multiple Michigan coaches and players reacted to the offensive coordinator’s firing.The decision to fire Beck came following an abysmal offensive showing in a 15-6 loss to the Michigan State Spartans. Beck’s offense had significantly underperformed throughout the season and the loss to Michigan State was the final straw.“Players were disappointed in the game, obviously,” Whittingham said. “They’re a very prideful and competitive group, and so I wouldn’t say anybody is hanging their head or sulking, but they’re all very disappointed and embarrassed by it.”It was certainly an embarrassing loss as Michigan’s offense continued to sputter, posting 192 yards and just six points. Despite the offensive struggles, losing a coach midseason can be difficult for the program, but it’s a part of the business.“It’s definitely shocking. It’s a big change in the building,” Buchanan told the media. “He’s one of the reasons that I’m here today so it’s unfortunate, but it’s just the nature of the business. Coach Beck is a great mentor and a great person.”Buchanan spent his freshman season under Whittingham and Beck at Utah in 2025, so following his head coach and offensive coordinator to Michigan was one of the reasons he transferred. Now less than a year later, Beck has been fired.“My message to the team has been everybody has to stay together and finish the season out strong,” Buchanan said. “It starts with me being one of the leaders on the team. I have to execute better and that trickles down to everyone else.”In addition to the players facing a challenging transition following Beck’s firing, the same can be said for the coaches. The impact of a coach being fired can be felt across the coaching staff, in terms of on-field duties and off-field relationships.“It was tough because he’s a good friend of mine,” defensive ends coach Lewis Powell said. “He’s an awesome coach, and is a great father and husband, but that’s part of the business. He understands that and he’s going to bounce back.”“It’s very challenging. He’s a good man and a good dad,” special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs said to the media. “My friends are in this building, the players and coaches, so it’s hard. I’m not going to tell you it’s easy because it’s not.”There’s no doubt that Beck was deservedly fired due to the offensive struggles, but the firing of a coach midseason can often galvanize a program or lead to a further division, so we’ll see how his exit affects the Wolverines moving forward.