Morgan Scalley, Kyle Whittingham’s Utah successor, to coach bowl game

With Kyle Whittingham taking over at Michigan immediately, Utah defensive coordinator and head-coach-in-waiting Morgan Scalley will coach the No. 15 Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl on Wednesday against Nebraska.

Michigan and Utah reached an agreement to allow Whittingham to join the Wolverines right away. Whittingham was set to coach the Las Vegas Bowl as his final game at Utah before stepping down on Friday.

"The University of Utah is grateful for Coach Whittingham's incredible contributions over his long tenure at the university, and we wish him and his family all the best with this next step in his career," athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement. "After discussions with Coach Whittingham, his representatives and the University of Michigan, we have granted their request to allow him to join the Michigan program immediately.

"Morgan Scalley is fully prepared to take over leadership of the Utah football program, and we join him in keeping our focus on our team, and supporting our student-athletes through this final game of the 2025 season at the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31."

Scalley, 46, was officially named Utah's head-coach-in-waiting on July 1, 2024. Whittingham, 66, coached another two seasons before announcing his intention to step down earlier this month.

Scalley is a Utah alumnus and Salt Lake City native who has spent his entire coaching career on the Utes' staff, from a graduate assistant in 2007 and a position coach from 2008-15 to becoming the defensive coordinator in 2016.

As for Whittingham, he leaves as Utah's all-time winningest coach with 177 victories.

"I am grateful to our administration, staff, players and coaches for their commitment, trust and hard work throughout the years," Whittingham said in a statement. "This university and football program mean a great deal to me, and I am proud of what we have built together. I appreciate the support from the University of Utah allowing me to step away at this time."

Whittingham went on to thank the fans for their passion and support.

"Utah will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish Coach Scalley and the program a smooth transition and continued success moving forward," he wrote. "Thank you for everything."