Whinham began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater Grand Valley State University. He coached college football for seven years, including two stints at Grand Valley State, one at Wayne State University and the University of Cincinnati.
College Detroit Drive Whinham joined the Detroit Drive as an assistant coach in 1988, winning ArenaBowl II in 1988 and ArenaBowl IV in 1990. Columbus/Cleveland Thunderbolts Whinham was head coach of the Columbus/Cleveland Thunderbolts from 1991 to 1993, compiling a regular season record of 6–26. The Thunderbolts make the playoffs in 1992, losing to the Orlando Predators in the first round by a score of 12–50.
Tampa Bay Storm Whinham was later an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Storm, winning ArenaBowl IX in 1995 and X in 1996.
Buffalo Destroyers Whinham served as Vice President of Operations for the Buffalo Destroyers from 1998 to 2000. Lafayette Roughnecks Whinham was vice president of the Lafayette Roughnecks of the af2 in 2001.
Baton Rouge Blaze Whinham served as vice president of the Baton Rouge Blaze of the af2 in 2001. Columbus Destroyers Whinham was president of the Columbus Destroyers from 2003 to 2004.
Dallas Vigilantes Whinham served as president of the Dallas Vigilantes from 2010 to 2011.
