Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham Declares Departure After 21 Seasons

Utah soccer coach Kyle Whittingham, the winningest coach in program historical past and one of many longest-tenured coaches within the FBS, will step down following the Utes’ look within the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, the varsity introduced Friday.

Whittingham, who has been with this system since 1994, was named head coach in December 2004, and amassed 177 wins, which ranks third amongst lively FBS coaches.

“The time is correct to step down from my place as the top soccer coach on the College of Utah,” Whittingham mentioned in a press release. “It has been an honor and a privilege to guide this system for the previous 21 years and I am very grateful for the relationships solid with all of the gamers and assistant coaches which have labored so exhausting and proudly worn the drum and feather throughout our time right here. The chance to information so many proficient younger males as they pursued their objectives — each on and off the sphere, has actually been a blessing.”

Whittingham, 66, led the Utes to a few convention titles as head coach, two appearances within the Rose Bowl, two Prime-5 finishes within the AP ballot and an undefeated season in 2008, capped by a win towards Alabama within the Sugar Bowl. He earned nationwide coach of the 12 months honors in 2008 and 2019.

“The legacy that Kyle Whittingham leaves distinguishes him as some of the impactful figures within the historical past of Utah Athletics,” Utah athletics director Mark Harlan mentioned in a press release. “As the top coach or as an assistant, Coach Whitt performed a pivotal position in probably the most historic and profitable seasons in program historical past, and established championship expectations. Maybe extra importantly, he established a legacy of great character, integrity and sophistication. Kyle Whittingham will without end be appreciated and cherished for his management and achievement with Utah Soccer.”

Whittingham is predicted to be succeeded by defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who Harlan introduced as the top coach in ready on July 1, 2024. Scalley joined the Utah workers in 2008 and has been the defensive coordinator for ten seasons.

Throughout Whittingham’s 21-year run as head coach, the Utes had 18 profitable seasons, transitioning from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and, lastly the Massive 12. The Utes went 10-2 this season and had been ranked No. 15 within the remaining playoff rankings. His remaining recreation will likely be Dec. 31, towards Nebraska.