Although the Utah Utes have not yet finished their season, their head coach is leaving for the Michigan job. That immediately raises questions about Kyle Whittingham’s availability for the Las Vegas Bowl. Or will the program quickly turn to an interim head coach?

“Kyle Whittingham is informing the Utah team that he will not be coaching in the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska,” reported ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “It is paramount for Michigan that he get to Orlando to meet with his new team and the players’ family members to get going on his new job.”

Now, it would be a significant loss for the Utes, who spent 21 years under Whittingham and enjoyed considerable success during that time. In 2008, he led the Utes to a perfect 13-0 season. His 11 bowl wins are tied for the most among active FBS coaches, and Utah won three conference titles under him. With that, the three-time National Coach of the Year brings his fireworks to Michigan.

And that leaves Morgan Scalley, Utah’s longtime defensive coordinator, as the program’s interim head coach. Sure enough, Whittingham’s move will shake things up, but giving Scalley the reins for the Las Vegas Bowl makes plenty of sense.

Scalley has built a reputation for physical defense over a decade, leading the unit. The Utes have ranked in the top half of the Pac-12 in total defense nine of the past 10 seasons, highlighted by a 2019 campaign where his defense ranked second nationally. While the 46-year-old’s imprint on Utah is unmistakable, it would give players, especially those planning to return in 2026, a chance to experience his game-day approach firsthand.

But the most intriguing fact is that, from the start, the former Utah head coach skipping the sidelines was something that didn’t appear under consideration.

“This has been one of my favorite years,” said Whittingham. “And having the chance to be around these guys one more month and and go to battle one more time with them was something I wanted to do.”

It’s about loyalty, finishing what he started, and leaving the program in the best position possible before heading to Michigan. But now that plan is likely changing, as the new Michigan head coach is focusing all his attention on rebuilding the Wolverines.

The past five years have been a rollercoaster for the program, with a mix of historic highs and shocking lows. Although the peak came with a national championship in 2023, the following seasons—2024 and 2025—have been defined by chaos. Coaching upheavals and NCAA sanctions left the program struggling, earning it the label of a “malfunctioning organization,” given by Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi.

Now, while this coaching change stings the Utes, it could prove beneficial for Michigan.

Kyle Whittingham’s arrival could be a game-changer

The 66-year-old has now joined the Wolverines for their new chapter. But interim head coach Biff Poggi is expected to lead them for their Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas on New Year’s Eve.

Still, insider Ross Dellenger reported that Whittingham would be in Orlando with Michigan, giving him a chance to familiarize himself with a roster in flux since Sherrone Moore’s firing earlier this month.

Now, with the program in transition, getting a jump start makes perfect sense, as Michigan’s roster outlook has been uncertain, particularly at QB.

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Bryce Underwood, the former five-star and top overall recruit in the 2025 class, played all 12 regular-season games, guiding Michigan to a 9-3 record with 2,229 passing yards. Now, if Underwood transfers, the Wolverines will be in urgent need of a new starter. That potentially gives Whittingham a chance to bring in Utah’s offensive coordinator Jason Beck and QB Devon Dampier, who previously followed Beck from New Mexico to Utah.

However, the coaching change will also ripple through Michigan’s recruiting class.

Four-star WR Brady Marchese requested his release amid Whittingham’s impending hire, marking the third signee to back out since Moore’s departure. Now, with so many moving pieces, Michigan needs stability, and Whittingham’s arrival could bring leadership.