One Candidate Makes Perfect Sense For Utah’s Vacant RB Coach Position
Jan 6, 2022, 1:54 PM
(Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah football team is officially looking for a new running backs coach after Kiel McDonald accepted a position with USC.
Kiel McDonald left a mark with the Utah football program in five seasons with the Utes as he coached some big-time running backs.
.@Utah_Football ➡️ @USC_FB for running backs coach @Coach_KMcDonald. #GoUtes #Pac12FB https://t.co/sdj3G3WWX9
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 6, 2022
Now that McDonald is on his way to Los Angeles, there is one name that stands out above the rest and would be a perfect fit with the Utes coaching staff.
With the running back job at Utah likely to open, I see one name that is perfect for the job and that’s Quinton Ganther. He has been a great RB coach and recruiter at Weber State and is currently in the NFL. #GoUtes @kslsports
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) January 3, 2022
Quinton Ganther Would Be Perfect Fit As Next Utah RB Coach
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Former Utah star running back Quinton Ganther would be the perfect person to replace Kiel McDonald. This isn’t just because he was a tremendous running back from 2004-05. Ganther has been rising up the coaching ranks since his playing career ended.
His first year in Salt Lake City was Meyer’s last in 2004 when the Utes went undefeated and beat Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. They became the first non-BCS school to win a BCS bowl game. In 2004, Ganther rushed for 654 yards and 2 touchdowns. During the 2005 season, the first under Kyle Whittingham, Ganther ran for 1,120 yards and 7 touchdowns, while hauling in 25 catches for 314 yards and one TD.
Ganther was taken in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. After three seasons with the Titans, Ganther spent one season in Washington. In 2010, he played for Buffalo and Seattle before retiring from the game.
When his playing career was over, Ganther was a student assistant coach for Utah, working with Jay Hill and the running backs in 2012. When Hill became the head coach of Weber State in December of 2013, Ganther joined him and coached the running backs for the Wildcats.
Under his leadership, Ganther produced 4 All-Big Sky performers, two backs that received back-to-back All-American honors. Four of the six running backs that have been coached by Ganther are in the top 10 in Weber State history for career rushing yards. During his time in Ogden, Ganther has been the top recruiter for Weber State with the state of California being his primary area. That fits with Utah’s blueprint as the Beehive State, Texas and California are the primary recruiting areas for the program.
In February, Ganther was hired by Urban Meyer as an offensive assistant coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Quinton Ganther will join @CoachUrbanMeyer's coaching staff with the @Jaguars, going from @Utah_Football to @weberstatefb to the @NFL.#GoUtes #WeAreWeber #duuuval https://t.co/tt2encqmgD
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 4, 2021
Mix his playing experience in both college and the NFL, along with coaching at both levels, Ganther would bring a lot to Utah. His relationship with the players is strong and would bring in talented players to Salt Lake City.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
