The Kyle Whittingham era in Utah is over.
The longtime Utes football head coach is stepping down before his team takes on Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“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. Thank you to the University, the Salt Lake community, all of Ute Nation and most of all my wife and family for your unwavering support that has helped make Utah Football what it is today.”
While he’s leaving Utah, The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel reported that Whittingham isn’t retiring and “could seek other coaching opportunities.”
Taking over for Urban Meyer after the 2004 season, Whittingham, who turned 66 last month, oversaw one of the winningest eras in Utah history, going 177-88 in 21 seasons at the helm.
During his tenure, the Utes had eight seasons of 10-plus wins, including a historic 13-0 season in 2008.
Last season, Utah finished 10-2, losing to ranked opponents BYU and Texas Tech, which were the only teams to finish ahead of them in the Big 12 standings.
Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley is the team’s “head coach in waiting,” per Thamel, which has “long been the school’s planned transition.”
Whittingham had reportedly considered retiring after the 2024 season, but after finishing a disappointing 5-7 during Utah’s first season in the Big 12, the legendary coach decided to give it one more go.
“I couldn’t step away on that note. It was too frustrating and too disappointing,” Whittingham said during Big 12 media days earlier this year.
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