Jack Tuttle’s journey in football has now come full circle, as he embarks on a coaching career at the very place where his playing days concluded. The former Michigan quarterback, who was forced to retire from football in October 2024 due to medical concerns, has now joined head coach Sherrone Moore’s staff as an assistant receivers coach, as confirmed by a team spokesperson to MLive.
Tuttle, now 25, played in eight games for the Wolverines over two seasons. His final career start came on October 19, 2024, in a matchup against Illinois. However, just nine days later, he took to social media to announce his retirement from the sport.
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Reflecting on his decision, Tuttle explained in a heartfelt letter that his past year had been filled with challenges. He revealed that he had undergone a UCL repair on his throwing arm, but the recovery had been incomplete, leading to persistent issues. Additionally, he sustained his fifth concussion, which served as a stark reminder that he needed to prioritize his long-term health.
“Throughout my college career, I’ve battled numerous injuries, culminating in this difficult choice to step away from playing the game that I love,” Tuttle shared in his retirement message.
A former four-star recruit from California, Tuttle originally committed to Utah but transferred to Indiana before playing a game for the Utes. He spent four seasons with the Hoosiers but struggled with injuries, managing to appear in only 15 games, five of which he started. Ahead of the 2023 season, he transferred to Michigan, where he was expected to provide veteran leadership behind starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Unfortunately, injuries followed him to Michigan as well. During the 2023 season, he suffered a UCL tear while relieving McCarthy, limiting his participation in both spring practices and preseason camp leading into the 2024 season.
As Michigan entered the 2024 season, the team found itself in the midst of a quarterback competition. Former walk-on Davis Warren secured the starting role out of camp, but the offense struggled, prompting Moore to turn to Alex Orji in Week 4. However, even under Orji’s leadership, Michigan’s offense remained inconsistent.
Tuttle made his season debut in relief of Orji on October 5 against Washington and was named the starter for the following game against Illinois after a bye week. Over the course of the season, he completed 30 of 50 pass attempts for 306 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Despite retiring midseason, Tuttle remained with the team for the remainder of the year and has now transitioned into coaching. He will be working with the receivers, a new role for him, while Michigan has also brought in another assistant receivers coach, Erik Campbell, a seasoned coach who previously led Michigan’s wide receivers from 1995 to 2007.
In his retirement announcement, Tuttle expressed gratitude for his football journey. “College football has given me so many incredible memories and has shaped my character. I am immeasurably thankful for every opportunity I had to step onto the field and for the unwavering support of those who have stood by me through triumphs and tribulations. I want to thank Coach Moore, the staff, and my teammates—I love all of you guys.”
Although his playing career has come to an early end, Tuttle remains committed to football. “Though closing this chapter is unfortunate, my passion for football will always be part of me,” he concluded.
