The Utah Utes found Kyle Whittingham’s replacement internally. After Whittingham decided to step down as head coach at Utah after 21 seasons, there was a big question about who could match his experience. But reports reveal that the Utes didn’t have any confusion, promoting Whittingham’s assistant as their next head coach.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel’s report, Utah Utes DC Morgan Scalley has finalized his deal to become the next head coach at Utah. The official news is expected to be heard pretty soon, as the new coach is expected to take over the program after the Las Vegas Bowl game against Nebraska on New Year’s Eve.

Who Is HC Morgan Scalley?

The 46-year-old Morgan Scalley spent his entire football career within the state of Utah, since his playing days at Highland High School in Salt Lake City. He played for the Utah Utes from 2001 to 2004 as a defensive back, and was a two-time Academic All-American, and named as a second-team all-Mountain West Conference in 2003. Scalley led the Utes to an undefeated season in 2004, winning the Fiesta Bowl over Pittsburgh. It made Utah the first non-BCS team to play in a BCS bowl.

Morgan Scalley Parents 

Morgan Scalley is the son of Bud Scalley and Claudia Scalley. His father played as a running back for the University of Utah. Morgan grew up thinking his dad was a Heisman winner, misunderstanding the trophy Bud received from coaching Morgan’s older brother in Mighty Mites football. “I grew up thinking he was the Heisman Trophy winner,” Morgan said.

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Even when he found his father wasn’t the Heisman winner, rushing only 337 yards throughout his collegiate career, Morgan still wanted to be like his dad, becoming an RB for Utah. When he told his mother that he was going to play football, his mom said, “Don’t feel hurt if it doesn’t happen.” His father admitted, “Frankly, we didn’t think he’d go that far.”

Who Is Morgan Scalley’s Wife & Children?

Liz Herrscher Sacalley is the wife of Morgan Scalley and has three children together: two daughters, Madeline and Emma, and a son, Andrew. His wife is the biggest supporter of Morgan’s coaching career. He admits that it wouldn’t have been possible without his family’s sacrifice and support.

“Being a part of the Utah football program was a childhood dream of mine that has turned into an incredible 25-year journey that I am blessed to say is continuing,” Scalley said. “This all would never have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my amazing wife, Liz, and my remarkable 3 children.”

Morgan Scalley’s Coaching and Career

Morgan Scalley began his coaching career as an administrative assistant in 2006 and as a graduate assistant in 2007. He’s been on the Utes coaching staff for almost 18 years, in different roles, such as safeties coach, recruiting coordinator, special teams coach, defensive coordinator, assistant coach, and now as the head coach.

In 2019, Scalley was a finalist for the prestigious Broyles Award for leading Utah as the No. 2 team in total offense, allowing 289.9 yards per game in the Pac-12 championship. Scalley coached 33 NFL stars throughout his coaching career, including the first-round draft pick Devin Lloyd in 2022. Carrying the program’s legacy on his back, Utah is extremely happy and proud to welcome its new head coach.

“Morgan Scalley has proven over the course of his outstanding coaching and playing career at the University of Utah that he is uniquely equipped to take over as the program’s next leader,” said Utah’s AD Mark Harlan. “He not only has great knowledge and perspective of what makes Utah football special, but his passion and love for the University of Utah position him to carry the mantle of leadership forward and continue the program’s legacy of success.”

Why Utah Chose Scalley as Kyle Whittingham’s Replacement

Reports noted that Scalley had long been viewed as Whittingham’s replacement since 202o. However, he was rescinded amid an investigation of racial stereotype comments to recruits in 2013 and comments to players in 2008.

He was penalized with a pay cut and was redesignated as the head coach-in-waiting in July 2024. His demonstrated growth and the experience leading the Utes made him Whittingham’s replacement right away when he stepped down on Friday without any second thoughts.

Morgan Scalley’s Net Worth

In November 2023, Morgan Scalley signed a new deal, extending his contract, which runs through 2027. Before 2023, Scalley earned $1.4 million annually. His new contract paid him $2 million annually as an assistant head coach. Being promoted as a head coach, he will now earn $5 million annually plus bonuses up to $166,666 for a bowl game and $10,000 for the Big 12 title game, as per ESPN reports.

What’s Next for Utah Football Under Morgan Scalley?

As per Pete Thamel’s report, Morgan Scalley is expected to take over the head coaching role after the Las Vegas Bowl against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. It will be his first time as a head coach, and the first time for the program in 20 years, since Kyle Whittingham took over the HC role.