In a significant shift for Utah football, Morgan Scalley officially assumes the role of head coach just one day before the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska. Scalley, who was set to take over on January 1, will lead the team in this pivotal game following the unexpected resignation of Kyle Whittingham on December 12, 2025. Whittingham accepted the head coaching position at Michigan, marking the end of a 21-year tenure that elevated Utah’s football program.
Scalley addressed the media at a press conference, humorously acknowledging his newness to the role. “I’m new to this. Apologize, if any mistakes,” he said, reflecting the whirlwind of events leading up to his debut as head coach. Utah’s arrival in Las Vegas last Friday set the stage for a dramatic transition, as Whittingham informed the players of his decision before departing for Michigan.
Transition and Preparations
As Scalley prepares for the Las Vegas Bowl, he faces the dual challenge of assembling a coaching staff while also navigating the complexities of the transfer portal, which opens two days after the season concludes. Reports suggest that offensive coordinator Jason Beck and offensive line coach Jim Harding are potential candidates to join Whittingham at Michigan. Meanwhile, Utah’s current players are weighing their options in light of the coaching changes. Defensive end John Henry Daley, who had a standout 2025 campaign, has already entered the transfer portal after a season-ending injury in November.
Despite the upheaval, Scalley emphasized his commitment to winning the Las Vegas Bowl and honoring the team’s seniors. “Is there a plan in place? You better believe it,” he stated. The new head coach is focused on maintaining team morale amidst the changes, acknowledging the reality of college football today. “Change is going to happen. And how you handle that says everything about your program,” Scalley added.
Looking Ahead
One of the key players for Utah, quarterback Devon Dampier, shared his dedication to the upcoming game. Dampier, who played a crucial role in the team’s offensive turnaround, noted, “There’s a lot of seniors that I’ve been playing for this whole entire year. So that’s honestly where my focus is at overall.” His confidence in Scalley’s leadership was evident as he spoke of the excitement surrounding the new direction of the program.
Senior linebacker Lander Barton described the atmosphere as invigorating, saying, “It’s been a new energy, a new life with Scalley taking the reins.” Scalley recognizes the challenge ahead, particularly in following in the footsteps of Whittingham, who achieved remarkable success during his tenure. “You don’t want to be the guy that follows the guy,” Scalley said, while expressing optimism about the future.
Throughout the press conference, Scalley expressed gratitude to Whittingham for his mentorship and impact on his career. “I love Kyle Whittingham. He’s given me my start in the profession,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of this transition.
As Scalley prepares for his first game as head coach, he aims to establish a culture that honors Whittingham’s legacy while infusing his own vision. “Culture is what you believe, how you behave, and the experience that’s delivered by that behavior,” Scalley explained, outlining his goals for the program. With the challenge of the Las Vegas Bowl ahead, Scalley is determined to make a strong impression in his inaugural game.
As the countdown to the game continues, both players and fans are eager to see how this new chapter in Utah football unfolds under Scalley’s leadership. The next 72 hours will be critical as he balances the immediate demands of the bowl game with the long-term vision for the program.
