Kyle Whittingham, who has made an indelible mark on Utah football as its head coach, announced his decision to step down from his position following the Utes’ participation in the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl on December 31. With a remarkable tenure spanning more than two decades, Whittingham’s leadership has been crucial to the program’s success since he joined as an assistant coach in 1994 and took the reins as head coach in December 2004.
Under Whittingham’s guidance, the Utes have enjoyed significant success, accumulating 177 wins, which places him among the top three active FBS coaches. His statement reflected a deep appreciation for the program, emphasizing the “honor and privilege” of leading the team and the meaningful relationships built over the years with players and fellow coaches.
Throughout his time at the helm, Whittingham led the Utes to three conference championships, two Rose Bowl appearances, and an undefeated season in 2008, highlighted by a prestigious victory against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. His coaching excellence earned him national recognition, including accolades such as national coach of the year in both 2008 and 2019.
Mark Harlan, Utah’s athletics director, praised Whittingham’s contributions, affirming his status as one of the most impactful figures in the history of Utah Athletics. Harlan noted that Whittingham not only guided the team through successful seasons but also instilled a culture of character, integrity, and class that will define his legacy within the program.
Looking ahead, defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley is poised to take over as head coach after being designated as the head coach in waiting in July 2024. Scalley has been a part of the Utah coaching staff since 2008 and has spent the last ten seasons as the defensive coordinator.
During Whittingham’s tenure as head coach, the Utes transitioned from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and eventually to the Big 12, consistently achieving winning seasons, including a solid 10-2 record this year, where they were ranked 15th in the final playoff rankings. Whittingham’s final game will be a significant matchup against Nebraska, marking the end of an era for Utah football.
