Utah Football Linebackers Coach Colton Swan Finds Hope In Creating Lasting Relationships
Jul 7, 2020, 11:05 AM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Colton Swan has been on the Utah football coaching staff since 2019 where he has acted as the linebackers coach and had great success thus far. Previously, Swan spent 15 seasons with Weber State.
Swan reached out to me, Tom Hackett, when former linebackers coach Justin Ena left the program to take over as defensive coordinator at Utah State and asked if I could recommend him to Kyle Whittingham. I did, although, Whittingham’s response was far from inviting, rather, he came across upset that I would recommend a coach from Weber State.
Whittingham assumed Swan was just another 25-year-old up and coming coach trying to better himself. He was wrong.
Weeks later I followed up with Whittingham regarding the interview process to fill the vacant linebackers coach position, it was then that he informed me that Swan had an interview with defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley.
A week later and the announcement of Swan taking over the linebackers was made public.
With @TreyReynoldsQC now committed, @Colton_Swan continues to impress. Linebacker talent = 📈 pic.twitter.com/nWqVaxn8yN
— Steve Bartle (@SBartle247) May 22, 2020
Since his time at Utah, Swan has put an emphasis on recruiting. Specifically, creating relationships with prospects and their family. Frequently speaking with the parents of recruits, trying to make the parents feel comfortable about their son attending the University of Utah. He has had great success bringing strong, athletic linebackers into the program.
Last year, during his first season on the staff, Swan coached Devin Lloyd, a true sophomore at the time, and senior Francis Bernard. The Utah defense ranked second in the nation for total defense by seasons end, only behind Ohio State.
A message from @Colton_Swan to @FrancisJBernard.#UtahFootballFamily pic.twitter.com/MOYQD2vG1g
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 25, 2020
Bernard won First Team All Pac-12 honors while Lloyd was named as an honorable mention following the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Swan currently lives in Morgan, Utah. A small, rural town that is home to some 5,000 people. He owns five horses and enjoys spending his spare time in the wilderness outside.
The Utah defense will hope to replace 9 starters in 2020. Only Devin Lloyd and Mika Tafua (defensive end) are the returning starters.
Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.
