The University of Utah has been one of the top teams in college football since the early 2000s. With multiple unbeaten seasons, including a national championship in 2008, the Utes have a long-standing tradition of excelling under strong coaching.

Head coaches like Ron McBride, Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham have created a culture and reputation that Utah football lives by today. With the current defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley, being named head coach in waiting, these foundations are poised to remain intact.

Scalley grew up in Utah and attended Highland High School. After graduating from Highland in 1998, Scalley served a two-year church mission in Munich, Germany. From there, the high school football star joined the University of Utah as a defensive back from 2001 to 2004.

Scalley’s high football IQ and work ethic as a player impressed the coaching staff so much that they offered him the opportunity to sign as an administrative assistant under Whittingham for the 2006 season. As Whittingham continued climbing the ranks as a coach, so did Scalley.

Since he signed as the defensive coordinator for the U in 2016, Scalley and Whittingham have combined for a regular-season record of 72-30. This stretch includes back-to-back Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowl appearances in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

While Whittingham’s coaching legacy is expected to end soon, 2025 will likely give Scalley one last look into what has made him so impactful. When asked about his upcoming role as head coach after Whittingham decides to retire, Scalley had only positive things to say.

“Utah Football and Utah Athletics have always been home to me and my family, and I am honored to receive this distinction. I want to thank President Randall, Coach Whittingham and Mark Harlan for the trust they have shown in me, and 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 under Coach Whittingham and to continue the traditions that have become a part of our proud history.” Said Whittingham.

Coach Whittingham expressed his gratitude for Scalley after the announcement was made in November of 2023.

“Morgan Scalley is an exceptional football coach, and his naming as the head coach in waiting at the University of Utah is a testament to that. 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.” Whittingham said.

Scalley has what it takes to become another name on the list of esteemed head Utah football coaches. With young talent on his staff, he has already begun the process of transforming the program into a fast-paced and NFL-ready group.

While Whittingham will remain at the helm for the 2025 season, having a set-in-stone defensive-oriented coach to step in as soon as he is needed is exactly what the U needs.  Keep an eye out for Scalley as the future of Utah football and its coaches remains bright.

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