Kyle Whittingham, the head football coach at Utah since 2005, announced Friday that this will be his final season with the Utes. He will coach the team in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31, as he goes for his 178th win with the program.
“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.”
At 177-88, Whittingham is the winningest head coach in program history. He has led the Utes to 18 bowl games and eight 10+ win seasons, including 2025. He first joined the program in 1994 and would spend a total of ten seasons as defensive coordinator, the role he held on Urban Meyer’s staff in 2004 when the Utes finished undefeated 12-0. Meyer left for Florida following that season and Whittingham was elevated into the head coaching role.
“The legacy that Kyle Whittingham leaves distinguishes him as one of the most impactful figures in the history of Utah Athletics,” said AD Mark Harlan. “As the head coach or as an assistant, Coach Whitt played a pivotal role in the most historic and successful seasons in program history, and established championship expectations. Perhaps more importantly, he established a legacy of tremendous character, integrity and class. Kyle Whittingham will forever be appreciated and cherished for his leadership and achievements with Utah Football.”
Whittingham, who turned 66 last month, graduated from Provo HS (UT) and played his own college football at rival BYU, where his father, Fred, was the linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator. During his tenure at Utah, Whittingham had a 11-6 record in Holy War games against his alma mater.
As for Utah, it is expected that long-time defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will take over the top position in 2026. Scalley, 46, is a SLC-native who played for the Utes and has spent his entire coaching career there. He has been the DC since 2015 and was named head-coach-in-waiting last year.
credit to Utah Athletics for the image