Utah coach Kyle Whittingham will step down following the Utes’ appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, the school announced Friday.
The winningest coach in program history and one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision has been with the program since 1994. He was named head coach in December 2004 and amassed 177 career victories, the most in Utah history and third among active FBS coaches.
“The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah,” Whittingham said in a statement. “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 proudly worn the drum and feather.”
Whittingham led the Utes to three conference championships, two Rose Bowl appearances, two top-five finishes in the AP Top 25 and an undefeated season in 2008, capped by a Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. He was named national coach of the year in 2008 and 2019.
Utah athletic director Mark Harlan called Whittingham “one of the most impactful figures in the history of Utah Athletics,” citing his leadership, integrity and championship standards.
Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley is expected to succeed Whittingham. Scalley was named head coach-in-waiting on July 1, 2024, and has been on staff since 2008.
During Whittingham’s tenure, Utah recorded 18 winning seasons and successfully transitioned from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and later the Big 12.
Whittingham’s final game will come against Nebraska on New Year’s Eve.
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