Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham stepping down after 21 years

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Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham, one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football, will step down following the 2025 season, the school announced on Dec. 12.

Whittingham, who has been with the program since 1994, will coach his final game for the Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31. The 66-year-old was named head coach in December 2004 and amassed a program record of 177 wins, which ranks third among active FBS coaches.

"The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah," Whittingham said in a statement. "It's been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years and I'm very grateful for the relationships forged with all the players and assistant coaches that have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and feather during our time here. The opportunity to guide so many talented young men as they pursued their goals — both on and off the field, has truly been a blessing."

Whittingham is expected to be succeeded by defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who Utah athletics director Mark Harlan announced as the head coach in waiting on July 1, 2024. Scalley joined the Utah staff in 2008 and has been the defensive coordinator for 10 seasons.

The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout social media as fans grapple with the news. Many have pointed out the rarity of his longevity as the landscape continues to shift.

Another fan brought up the grief that the program navigated in 2020 and 2021 following the tragic deaths of Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe. The team retired the number 22 in their honor in 2021. 

Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Utah football head coach stepping down after 21 years

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