Utah on Monday announced defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as its “head coach in waiting” to succeed Kyle Whittingham whenever the longtime Utes coach, 64, decides to retire. According to a release from the school, Scalley’s amended contract was agreed upon on Nov. 23, 2023. ESPN reported that Scalley will make at least $5 million a year when he’s promoted.
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This isn’t the first time the former Utah All-American safety was penciled in as the future coach at his alma mater. The university suspended Scalley and rescinded the head-coach-in-waiting language in a previous contract in June 2020 when an external investigation revealed that Scalley had sent a text message containing a racial slur.
Scalley, 44, enters his 17th season on Whittingham’s staff and his ninth as defensive coordinator for the Utes. Scalley has established himself as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country.
“Utah Football and Utah Athletics have always been home to me and my family, and I am honored to receive this distinction,” Scalley said in a statement. “I remain committed to my continued growth as a coach and person, and as a member of the amazing University of Utah community. Our staff is excited to start a new era of Utah Football in the Big 12 this fall under Coach Whittingham and to continue the traditions that have become a part of our proud history.”
Whittingham said in a statement: “It is a distinction he has earned not only because of his outstanding coaching abilities, but also because of his selfless dedication to the program as well as to the Utah Athletics family. The culture and tradition within Utah Football is a point of pride for our staff, and when the time comes for a transition in the leadership of our program, we know that Morgan will carry on those traditions the Utah Football way.”
In an interview with The Athletic in January 2023, Whittingham was asked who he’d recommend to athletic director Mark Harlan as his eventual successor.
“I really believe in Morgan Scalley,” Whittingham said. “I believe Morgan Scalley is one of the best football coaches I’ve been around. I don’t think it’s any secret that I think he deserves to be next in line. I think he’s earned it and he deserves it and is very capable.”
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It wasn’t clear if Scalley would get another chance at this opportunity after a screenshot of the text was made public on social media in which Scalley used a racist slur to describe four players he successfully recruited from Texas in 2013. The post insinuated that Scalley sent the message to the parent of a potential recruit on accident and that it was intended for another coach on the Utah staff.
“I am truly sorry, and I own up to the hurtful effects of my choice,” Scalley said in a statement in 2020. “Through my actions and words going forward, I will demonstrate that my use of that slur in 2013 does not reflect or define who I am or what I stand for. My action is indefensible and I will use my voice and position to bring about meaningful and much-needed change.”
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Though there is no official timetable for Whittingham to retire as the Utes enter their first season in the Big 12 and their 20th under Whittingham, Utah has its plan in place.
“We must plan for the future, and Coach Whittingham and I both strongly believe that that future lies with Morgan Scalley. Morgan has played a critical role in our success through his embodiment of our core values and his leadership, and I have witnessed first hand his growth as a coach and as a person over the last several years,” Harlan said. “He is an elite coach who has been trained by the best — Coach Whittingham — and whenever it is time for Morgan to take the helm, I have no doubt that our program will continue to have success.”
(Photo: Chris Gardner / Getty Images)
