12/13/25 04:05:00
Printable Page
12/13 16:03 CST Morgan Scalley promoted from defensive coordinator to head
coach at Utah, succeeding Whittingham
Morgan Scalley promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach at Utah,
succeeding Whittingham
By JOHN COON
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) --- Morgan Scalley was promoted from defensive coordinator
to head coach at Utah on Saturday, succeeding Kyle Whittingham, who announced
Friday he would step down after 21 seasons.
Scalley will take over after No. 15 Utah plays Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl
on December 31. He's been the defensive coordinator under Whittingham for 10
seasons and has been a part of the Utah coaching staff since 2007.
Utah ranks in the top 20 nationally this season in passing efficiency defense,
total interceptions (14) and scoring defense (18.7 points per game).
"Being a part of the Utah football program was a childhood dream of mine that
has turned into an incredible 25-year journey that I am blessed to say is
continuing," Scalley said in a statement. "I have been mentored by some of the
best men and coaches I could have ever asked for along the way and learned
infinitely more than just X's and O's from them. I have also had the privilege
of learning from and growing together with the amazing young men that have come
through this program."
Scalley played safety for Utah from 2001 to 2004. Urban Meyer coached him over
his final two seasons, and Scalley helped lead the Utes to the 2004 Fiesta Bowl
and an undefeated season. He was the 2004 Mountain West co-Defensive Player of
the Year and a second-team All-American.
Utah has gained a reputation for rugged, physical defensive play during
Scalley's decade running the unit.
The Utes have finished in the top half of their conference in total defense
nine times in the past 10 seasons. In 2019, Scalley's defense ranked second
nationally and first in the Pac-12. The Utes also finished with the top rushing
defense in the Pac-12 five times over Utah's final eight seasons in the
conference.
"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," athletic director Mark Harlan said 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."
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up
here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football:
https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and
https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
|
