Recruits react to Kyle Whittingham stepping down at Utah
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Kyle Whittingham announced Friday that he would be stepping down as head coach of the Utah Utes, a position he has held since 2004. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, the program’s designated head coach in waiting, is expected to take over in Salt Lake City. The transition has sparked a wave of reactions across the college football landscape, with recruits buzzing about the future of Utah’s program.
4-star ATH Salesi Moa
Ben Moa, the father of four-star athlete Salesi Moa, told Rivals’ Greg Biggins that his family is not concerned about Utah’s coaching transition.
“It will be great for Salesi either way because everything that coach Whitt stands for and is about, Morgan Scalley stands for and that’s been the case for years,” he said. “Coach Whitt kind of hinted at that when we met with him but were still locked in with Utah and excited about the future.”
Moa flipped his commitment to the Utes from Tennessee on National Signing Day. He is the No. 54 overall prospect and the top prospect in Utah in the Rivals Industry Rankings.
3-star TE Bear Fisher
Queen Creek (Ariz.) tight end Bear Fisher told Rivals’ Greg Biggins that Whittingham’s decision to step down will not impact his status with Utah.
“Coach Whittingham is obviously a great coach and I would’ve loved to play for him but Scalley is awesome and nothing changes for me,” he said. “As long as coach Freddie Whittingham is there, I’m there.
“I believe Scalley will do a great job with the program. What he has done with the defense I’m excited to see what he does with the whole team. He was also a former player for Utah too which is exciting to have as a head coach, he knows what it means to be a Ute. I really appreciate head coach Whittingham and the recruiting process we shared. I’m still rocking with the Utes and good things are coming.”
Fisher committed to Utah in June over offers from programs such as Arizona, BYU and North Carolina.
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