Morgan Scalley aims to restore continuity at Utah after staff departures

Morgan Scalley is rebuilding Utah’s coaching staff after Kyle Whittingham was hired by Michigan on Dec. 26 and took several assistants; Scalley has since added coordinators and assistants while working to retain players and recruits.

Morgan Scalley has stepped into the head coaching role at Utah and is focused on rebuilding a coaching staff after recent departures. The program had planned a planned transition when Kyle Whittingham decided to retire, but that plan changed when Michigan hired Whittingham on Dec. 26 and several assistants left with him. Scalley has since hired coordinators and multiple assistants and is working to keep current players and maintain commitments from recruits. He led Utah to a 44-22 win over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31. Key facts: - Utah’s planned transition was affected when Kyle Whittingham was hired by Michigan on Dec. 26 and brought several assistants with him. - Morgan Scalley has hired coordinators and assistants to fill those vacancies and to rebuild the staff. - On offense, Scalley brought in Kevin McGiven, who used concepts similar to former offensive coordinator Jason Beck to help preserve offensive continuity. - Scalley led Utah to a 44-22 victory over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, 2025. - Scalley spent 10 seasons as Utah’s defensive coordinator, with the Utes finishing in the top half of their conference in total defense nine times in the last 10 seasons and producing a nationally high-ranked defense in 2019; athletic director Mark Harlan said Scalley is prepared to lead the program. Summary: Scalley is rebuilding staff roles and seeking continuity in schemes as Utah prepares for the coming seasons. The program’s focus is on establishing staff stability and retaining players and recruits as it moves forward.