Michigan’s Urgent Request Pulls Kyle Whittingham From Utah’s Bowl Game

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Michigan finalized a deal on Friday with Utah’s Kyle Whittingham to make him the next head coach of the Wolverines. Whittingham had been the head coach of the Utes since 2005, but served as their defensive line coach in 1994 and as defensive coordinator from 1995-2004. He coached under Urban Meyer before taking over as head coach.

On Dec. 12, Whittingham announced he’d be stepping down from his role with Utah. However, the program did mention he’d coach his players in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31. In total, Whittingham had been in Salt Lake City for the last 30 years.

The Utes finished the 2025 college football season ranked No. 15 with a 10-2 record. They will try to win their 11th game of the year against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but now without Whittingham on the sidelines.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Michigan found it ‘paramount’ that the 66-year-old head coach join the program immediately. Michigan is a few weeks removed from a very public termination of former head coach Sherrone Moore.

Whittingham will reportedly inform his Utah players and staff that he will not coach in that game. Instead, Morgan Scalley, who will be Utah’s full-time head coach for the 2026 season, will coach the program in the bowl game.

Whittingham’s next stop: Orlando, Florida.

Scalley was a defensive back at Utah under Whittingham from 2001-04 and then joined the program as a graduate assistant in 2007. He has held various roles on the coaching staff since then, including the safeties coach and defensive coordinator from 2016-25.

UPDATE: Utah Releases Statement on Whittingham’s Early Departure From Program

On Friday night, Utah Athletic’s Director Mark Harlan addressed Whittingham not coaching the Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl:

“The University of Utah is grateful for Coach Whittingham’s incredible contributions over his long tenure at the university, and we wish him and his family all the best with this next step in his career. After discussions with Coach Whittingham, his representatives and the University of Michigan, we have granted their request to allow him to join the Michigan program immediately.

Morgan Scalley is fully prepared to take over leadership of the Utah football program, and we join him in keeping our focus on our team, and supporting our student-athletes through this final game of the 2025 season at the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31.”

Kyle Whittingham Releases Statement:

Now-Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham also released a statement. The two statements were shared in a post by the Utah Athletics social media department.

“I am grateful to our administration, staff, players, and coaches for their commitment, trust, and hard work throughout the years. This university and football program mean a great deal to me, and I am proud of what we have built together. I appreciate the support from the University of Utah allowing me to step away at this time.

I also want to thank our fans. Your loyalty, passion, and support have been second to none. Whether at Rice-Eccles Stadium or representing Utah across the country, you have made this time special and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Utah will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish Coach Scalley and the program a smooth transition and continued success moving forward. Thank you for everything.”

Kickoff for the Las Vegas Bowl is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Related: Michigan Reportedly Hires 177-Win Coach to Replace Sherrone Moore

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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