Michigan football hasn't scored an offensive touchdown that wasn't preceded by a turnover since its 20-19 loss to Iowa on Sept. 26.
The Wolverines' offensive ineptitude reached new lows in their 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana on Saturday, Oct. 24, as they failed to score a touchdown with true freshman quarterback Tommy Carr making his first career start
. The Wolverines were also held to 57 rushing yards on 42 carries.The 2026 season hasn't lived up to what Michigan fans may have expected with first-year coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who left with Whittingham from Utah. The offensive struggles were certainly not expected to be this bad,
especially with Beck leading a Utes offense that in 2025 ranked No. 4 nationally with 482.9 yards per game.
This season? Michigan ranks 130th of 138 FBS teams in total offense, second-to-last among all Power Four teams, ahead of only Michigan State. Its 20.3 points per game is tied for No. 118th nationally, only ahead of the Spartans, Colorado and Stanford in the Power Four.
Whittingham said on Monday, Oct. 26, he's not making any quick decisions on his coaching staff.
"Right now, it's not the time to panic," he said. "We're a play away from 6-1 or 7-0."
That may be true, but it's likely due to Michigan's defense, which has been elite this year. The Wolverines rank No. 2 in FBS, allowing an average of 250.1 yards per game. Just an average offense would have Michigan at or near the top of the Big Ten.
“Last year, Jason was exceptional, and we had exceptional results (at Utah),” Whittingham said after Michigan's loss to Indiana. “So, I’m not going to say that he’s struggling, but, we’re trying, you know? There’s no lack of work ethic or spending time on it. We’re in the building around the clock. Jason’s just searching for some rhythm and some continuity — probably the best word (for it)."
Beck has proven to be a top-tier play caller in the Big 12, but it hasn't translated to Michigan yet. Will the Wolverines move on from their first-year offensive coordinator? Oregon already has made a similar move, firing first-year offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer.
Here's what to know of Beck's buyout and contract information:
Jason Beck buyout at Michigan
Firing Beck wouldn't be easy. Per the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, firing Beck could cost over $9 million, despite him being an offensive coordinator.
That figure is contingent on Michigan paying a retention bonus, which according to his contract is $1.513 million. If he is the coach or is terminated without cause by Feb. 1, 2028, that figure rises to $1.665 million. His contract is unclear if he'll be paid both retention bonuses, which would raise the buyout price.
Beck is also owed any earned but unpaid "Team Performance Payments" for the remainder of the scheduled agreement, which would amount to $6.35 million, per the Free Press.
The contract also states he must "seek alternate employment as soon as possible" if he were to be fired, also requiring his pay at a new school to be reported to Michigan. His total compensation at a new school would offset the monthly installments owed by Michigan, which would therefore lower his potential buyout total.
Here's a hypothetical that helps explain Beck's situation, per the Free Press:
"If Beck were to be let go from his employment in Ann Arbor prior to Feb. 1 of next year, then sign a deal worth $4 million over the ensuing two seasons, Michigan would be required to pay him the retention bonuses, plus the difference in his deal — which in this example would be an additional $2.35 million."
Jason Beck contract
Beck, one of the highest-paid non-head coaches in college football, is making $2.85 million this season, with his salary increasing to $3.05 million in 2027-28 and $3.3 million in 2028-29, per his contract.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan offense is (almost) dead last in P4. What it would cost to fire OC Jason Beck
