Morgan Scalley will succeed Kyle Whittingham as Utah coach upon retirement

Utah is ensuring that defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley doesn’t go anywhere. The Utes have named Scalley as the head coach in waiting to current head coach Kyle Whittingham.

There is no timetable for the 64-year-old Whittingham to retire. But when he does, Morgan Scalley will replace him.

Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan released a statement about the decision on Monday.

“Coach Whittingham has built Utah Football into one of the nation’s elite programs through a strong culture, tradition and exceptional student-athletes, and he has been clear about his intentions of continuing to lead this incredible Utah Football program as we move into the Big 12 Conference and into the new expanded College Football Playoff,” Harlan said. “However, we must plan for the future, and Coach Whittingham and I both strongly believe that that future lies with  Morgan Scalley.

Morgan has played a critical role in our success through his embodiment of our core values and his leadership, and I have witnessed first hand his growth as a coach and as a person over the last several years. He is an elite coach who has been trained by the best – Coach Whittingham – and whenever it is time for Morgan to take the helm, I have no doubt that our program will continue to have success.”

Scalley played at Utah and has been on staff with the Utes since 2007. He has been the Utah defensive coordinator since 2016.

As for Whittingham, he is entering his 20th season as the Utah head coach. He has won a pair of Pac-12 titles, as well as two Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards. Whittingham and the Utes are now entering their first season in the Big 12.

“Morgan Scalley is an exceptional football coach and his naming as the head coach in waiting at the University of Utah is a testament to that,” Whittingham said in a statement. “It is a distinction he has earned not only because of his outstanding coaching abilities, but also because of his selfless dedication to the program as well as to the Utah Athletics family. The culture and tradition within Utah Football is a point of pride for our staff, and when the time comes for a transition in the leadership of our program, we know that Morgan will carry on those traditions the Utah Football way.”

Scalley also addressed being name the Utah head coach in waiting in a statement. He called it an honor to be able to lead the program.

“Utah Football and Utah Athletics have always been home to me and my family, and I am honored to receive this distinction,” Scalley said. “I want to thank President Randall, Coach Whittingham and Mark Harlan for the trust they have shown in me, and I remain committed to my continued growth as a coach and person, and as a member of the amazing University of Utah community. Our staff is excited to start a new era of Utah Football in the Big 12 this fall under Coach Whittingham and to continue the traditions that have become a part of our proud history.”