Utah hires Morgan Scalley as next head coach, replacing Kyle Whittingham

Utah has named Morgan Scalley as its next head coach, the program announced Saturday. He will replace Kyle Whittingham, who is stepping down after 21 seasons in the role.

Scalley played for Whittingham at Utah from 2001-04 before joining the staff as a graduate assistant in 2007. He worked his way up to defensive coordinator in 2016 and will now get ready to become the program’s next head coach.

After his time as a GA, Scalley worked as Utah’s safeties coach from 2008-14 and added special teams duties in 2015 while also serving as a recruiting coordinator. He then moved up to defensive coordinator in 2016 following John Pease’s retirement and was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2019.

The sense was Morgan Scalley, 46, was the coach-in-waiting before Whittingham announced his decision to step down after Utah plays in the Las Vegas Bowl, On3 previously reported. Now, he’ll take over as the head coach.

“Morgan 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,” said Utah athletics director Mark Harlan in a statement. “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.”

As a player at Utah, Scalley was a Second Team All-American defensive back in 2004. He also won Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and played in the East-West Shrine Bowl after that season. In 2006, he returned to Utah as an administrative assistant and became a GA under Whittingham in 2007.

Utah preparing for new era under Morgan Scalley

Kyle Whittingham departs as the winningest coach in Utes program history after taking over as head coach in 2005. He amassed a 177-88 record during his time at the helm, which started after Urban Meyer left to become Florida’s head coach.

After the 2025 season, Whittingham decided to call it a career. In a statement, he said he time was right to walk away after more than 30 years with the Utah program. He started as the program’s defensive line coach in 1994.

“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.

“The opportunity to guide so many talented young men as they pursued their goals – both on and off the field – has truly been a blessing. Thank you to the University, the Salt Lake community, all of Ute Nation and most of all my wife and family for your unwavering support that has helped make Utah Football what it is today.”