Utes Ready To Move On From Manny Bowen
Jul 31, 2019, 9:55 PM
University of Utah linebackers coach Colton Swan during the first day of fall camp on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The big story surrounding day one of Utah fall camp was the departure of graduate transfer linebacker Manny Bowen.
Once head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed the reports that surfaced on Tuesday night, Whittingham and his team were ready to move on.
“Unfortunately, a couple of days ago, Manny Bowen informed us that he is retiring from football,” Whittingham said after practice. “He has a business opportunity that he felt was too good to pass up. The opportunity was right now so, he is exiting football and he is starting a business career. We wish him the best, hate to see him go. We were excited about what he was bringing to the table this season.”
The news from Bowen came as a surprise to Whittingham and he never had a player retire before his last season to pursue a career outside of football.
“It surprised us competely,” Whittingham said. “There was no hint or anything out of the ordinary during the summer. All of a sudden, it just came up but we will move forward.”
Kyle Whittingham confirms that Manny Bowen will not return to the football team and will pursue a business career. #Utes pic.twitter.com/E8mP4zZ8dg
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 1, 2019
Defensive coordinator was ready to move on right after being asked about Bowen leaving the program.
“It is what it is,” Scalley said. “I can’t change what happened. We are moving on, bottom line. We wish him well, he is a good kid but we are moving on.”
Morgan Scalley addresses the Manny Bowen departure and how the team will move forward. Next man up mentality. #Utes pic.twitter.com/0qFJxVp1NE
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 1, 2019
New linebacker coach Colton Swan is already adjusting to working with the linebackers without Bowen.
“I think the main thing that you do is move forward,” Swan said. “You don’t have any other choice than to do that. You stay positive, keep the energy up and keep pressing forward, and the guys that I have are great players, they have to step up. When they go down and the rifle is laying there, they have to pick it up and run with it. That’s the case at the linebacker position and I am excited about it.”
Utah LB coach Colton Swan talked about the departure of Manny Bowen. pic.twitter.com/UqZBiO11Ic
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 1, 2019
Bowen’s teammate Francis Bernard, who was supposed to start alongside Bowen at linebacker is ready to see his teammates step up.
“Good luck to him,” Bernard stated. “I know he has big things going on and best of luck. Our young guys know their stuff, they responded well today and we just have to move forward.”
Utes LB Francis Bernard talked about his off-season, his health and moving on without Manny Bowen. pic.twitter.com/aIBS25Tyiw
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 1, 2019
