Morgan Scalley Officially Named Head Coach Of Utah Football Program
Dec 13, 2025, 2:36 PM | Updated: 11:55 pm
Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley gestures to his players during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Kansas State Wildcats held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Following Kyle Whittingham’s departure, Utah athletic director Mark Harlan officially named Morgan Scalley the football program’s next head coach.
Scalley was named the “Coach In Waiting” prior to the 2024 season, but the pen was put to paper on Saturday afternoon.
𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐇‼️ Join us in welcoming the 24th 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 in program history, Morgan Scalley!
📰 https://t.co/iGwVeYfXuL#GoUtes | @RSNBUtes pic.twitter.com/b8VflE5WvG
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 13, 2025
Scalley has been on the Utes staff for the past 20 seasons, serving as the defensive coordinator for 10 of those years.
Following up Whittingham, a 21-year veteran and debatably the most important figure in program history, will be tough. But even according to Whittingham himself, Scalley was always the man to do it.
“First of all, Morgan Scalley is an exceptional football coach. He’s a proven commodity. He’s a Utah guy, played high school ball in the state of Utah, played at Utah, jumped right into coaching at the University of Utah when he was done playing. He’s invested in this program as much as anybody ever has been,” said Kyle Whittingham.
The Utes have built an image of grit and toughness on both ends. A lot of that credit is owed to Utah’s new coach.
In 2025, Scalley’s defense ranked top 20 in the FBS in passing efficiency defense, interceptions, and scoring defense. In basically every year this decade, Utah has had a top-three defense in its conference.
The Morgan Scalley era is officially underway.
And with this announcement, a 15-day transfer portal window will open five days from now after a staff/players meeting period. https://t.co/YEFyk6yGJR
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 13, 2025
After the conclusion of the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31, the Morgan Scalley era will officially begin.
One of his first tasks as the head of the snake will be to fill his former role of defensive coordinator. There is no official word on that process yet. But some names to look out for are Sharrieff Shah (Cornerbacks/Special Teams Coordinator), Lewis Powell (Defensive Ends), Luther Elliss (Defensive Tackles), and Colton Swan (Linebackers).
Another dark horse contender is BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill. There are no real tea leaves to read, but Hill and Scalley have a good relationship.
Utah HC Kyle Whittingham is stepping down. Defensive Coordinator Morgan Scalley will be their next Head Coach
Since 2016 under Scalley, Utah’s Defense has had an 80+ grade in 8/10 seasons🔥 pic.twitter.com/cikYPudxxx
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 12, 2025
After officially becoming the program’s head coach, Scalley had this to say:
“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. This all would never have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my amazing wife, Liz, and my remarkable 3 children. 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. My coaching journey began when Kyle Whittingham decided to take a chance on me in 2008. I am forever indebted to him for believing in me and giving me opportunity after opportunity to grow in this profession. He has mentored me, inspired me, and given me a vision for the future of the Utah Football Program, and I am ready and excited to see it through. I am also grateful for the belief and trust that President Taylor Randall and Athletic Director Mark Harlan have shown in me and am elated to work with them as we continue to bring honor to the University of Utah name. Finally, to the best fans in all of college football, let’s do this!!! Go Utes!!!”
