Utah football names DC Morgan Scalley as successor to Kyle Whittingham

Utah football has a succession plan in place after current head coach Kyle Whittingham retires. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will take over the Utes program when Willingham moves on, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Neither Whittingham, 64, nor the school has set an official retirement date. The coach agreed to a contract extension in 2022 that takes him through the 2027 season. But putting Scalley in place should allow for an easier transition and maintain the success Whittingham has established during his 19 seasons at Utah.

Scalley’s current contract has language in it that calls for him to take over as head coach when Whittingham steps down, according to Thamel. The arrangement was agreed upon last November.

Sources: Utah is naming defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the successor to longtime coach Kyle Whittingham. Scalley will make at least $5 million per year as head coach when he’s elevated, per his latest contract. There’s no set timetable for Whittingham to leave. pic.twitter.com/aVZZRiYI8L

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 1, 2024

If Scalley were to take the job at the end of the 2024 season, his salary would begin at $5 million. That will increase by $100,000 in each subsequent year, leading up to a possible $5.4 million starting salary if Scalley takes over in 2028.

Utah is joining the Big 12 after the dissolution of the Pac-12 and is viewed as the favorite to win the conference this season. Last season, the Utes finished 8–5 overall and tied for fourth in the Pac-12 at 5–4. Utah lost to Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl, 14–7, and were not ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll. Scalley’s defense finished No. 13 in the nation in total defense.

Here’s the official clause in Morgan Scalley’s contract designating him as the coach in waiting.

Scalley’s salary when Whitt announces:
Today -…

Source link : https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/utah-football-names-dc-morgan-scalley-as-successor-to-kyle-whittingham-181952084.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-01 18:19:52

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