Utah announced Saturday that defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, previously designated as head coach in waiting, is officially the Utes’ next head coach following the departure of longtime coach Kyle Whittingham.
“Being a part of the Utah Football Program was a childhood dream of mine that has turned into an incredible 25-year journey that I am blessed to say is continuing,” Scalley said.
Scalley, 46, has been Utah’s defensive coordinator for the past 10 seasons after previously serving on the staff in a variety of roles the prior 10 years. He was also an All-America safety at Utah from 2001-04, helping to lead the Utes to an undefeated season in 2004.
“My coaching journey began when (Whittingham) decided to take a chance on me in 2008,” Scalley added. “I am forever indebted to him for believing in me and giving me opportunity after opportunity to grow in this profession. He has mentored me, inspired me and given me a vision for the future of the Utah Football Program, and I am ready and excited to see it through.”
Whittingham, 66, announced Friday that he would be stepping aside following the team’s bowl game, the Las Vegas Bowl, on Dec. 31. The Utes finished 10-2 in the regular season with a No. 15 ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings.
He served as the coach of the Utes for 21 seasons, amassing the school’s most all-time wins with 177 victories.
“The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah,” Whittingham said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years, and I’m very grateful for the relationships forged with all the players and assistant coaches that have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and feather during our time here.
In July 2024, the university announced that Scalley had been tabbed as the program’s next head coach the previous November.
Athletic director Mark Harlan hailed Scalley at the time. On Saturday, he did so again.
“(Scalley) has proven over the course of his outstanding coaching and playing career at the University of Utah that he is uniquely equipped to take over as the program’s next leader,” Harlan said. “He not only has great knowledge and perspective of what makes Utah football special, but his passion and love for the University of Utah position him to carry the mantle of leadership forward and continue the program’s legacy of success.”
