Kyle Whittingham Steps Away on His Own Terms - But Not Without One Last Ride with the Utes
SALT LAKE CITY - For over two decades, Kyle Whittingham has been the steady hand guiding Utah football through every twist and turn the college landscape could throw at him. On Thursday, with the Las Vegas Bowl on the horizon and a media crowd larger than usual gathered around, Whittingham stood with his back to the wall - literally and figuratively - answering questions not about his team, but about himself.
That’s never been his favorite subject.
Whittingham, now in his 21st season as Utah’s head coach, has always preferred to deflect praise, shifting the spotlight to his players and staff. But this time, there was no avoiding it. After leading the Utes through another season of grit and growth, the program’s all-time winningest coach is stepping away.
And while he’s not calling it a full-on retirement just yet, the message was clear: the time feels right.
“The program is in a good place right now,” Whittingham said. “After last season, it just didn’t sit right with anybody, particularly me.
So I came back. Fortunately, we were able to get the ship righted.
Everything’s on track.”
Indeed, Utah has built a reputation for toughness and consistency under Whittingham - a culture rooted in accountability, physicality, and player development. Now, with defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley poised to take the reins, Whittingham believes the foundation is strong enough to carry on.
“We’ve got good coaches. Coach Scalley will do a great job.
We’ve got good players. So now is the time.”
That sense of timing - knowing when to lead and when to let go - has always been one of Whittingham’s strengths. And while he joked about overstaying his welcome, it’s clear this isn’t a decision made lightly.
“Somebody once told me that every year you coach, 10% of the fan base starts to hate you,” he said with a laugh. “So after 20 years, they all - plus their kids and grandkids - probably hate me.
It was a good run. I didn’t want to be that hanger-on people just got sick of.”
For now, Whittingham is calling himself a “free agent,” even joking that he’s entered the transfer portal. He hasn’t ruled out coaching again - and that’s why there was no formal retirement announcement - but he’s also made it clear that family time is high on the priority list.
“Who knows? We’ll see,” he said.
“It’s stepping down and stepping away to reevaluate things. If my phone rings, I answer it.
If I like who’s calling, we’ll see.”
But before any decisions about the future are made, there’s still one more game to coach. Utah is preparing to face Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, and Whittingham is treating it like business as usual - even if it’s anything but.
“This team has been one of my favorite years,” he said. “The team attitude, the leadership, the work ethic - just the personality and feel, the vibe of the team is outstanding. Having the chance to be around these guys one more month and go to battle one more time was something I wanted to do.”
Devon Dampier Hints at Return, Eyes Bowl Start
While Whittingham’s future is uncertain, quarterback Devon Dampier gave Utah fans something to smile about. The dual-threat playmaker, who took over the starting role this season, strongly hinted that he’ll be back in red next year - even if he’s saving the official announcement for a bit of drama.
“Y’all gonna see, but it’s good; it’s great,” Dampier said, smiling. “I’m very happy to be here.”
Dampier and backup Byrd Ficklin, who has already announced his return, were reportedly planning a joint reveal - a “something special” moment - before news leaked out ahead of schedule.
“But it’s coming,” Dampier added. “It’s coming.”
In the meantime, he’s locked in on finishing the season the right way. Unlike some high-profile players across the country sitting out bowl games to prepare for the NFL Draft, Dampier made it clear: he’s playing.
“I chose to finish out this season with my team,” he said. “I’m gonna play in the game.”
He also showed support for teammates who are opting out, recognizing that for some - especially potential first-rounders - the stakes are different. But the bond in the locker room remains strong.
“We know those guys love us. They let it be known every day since they’ve been here. We still support those guys; they support us.”
Who’s In, Who’s Out for the Bowl Game
Whittingham confirmed that only a few players are expected to opt out of the Las Vegas Bowl. That list includes starting offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, along with defensive end Logan Fano.
That means the Utes should have most of their roster intact - even players who have already entered the transfer portal are expected to suit up for one final game.
Spencer Fano, notably, was named a unanimous first-team All-American this week - the first offensive player in Utah history to earn that distinction. He also took home the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman. That kind of recognition not only highlights Fano’s dominance but also underscores the type of talent Utah has developed under Whittingham’s watch.
The End of an Era - But Not the End of the Fight
Whether this is truly the end of the road for Kyle Whittingham or just a pause before a new chapter, one thing is certain: he’s going out the same way he’s always operated - focused on his players, locked in on the next challenge, and never making it about himself.
One more game. One more battle. One more chance to lead the Utes.
And if this is the final ride, it’s fitting that it ends not with a farewell tour, but with a team-first mission - just the way Whittingham would want it.