We asked for your footage. Here is what you said.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham patrols the sidelines of Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Utah football fans will be watching closely for the first game of the Morgan Scalley era.
But whenever commercial breaks for this afternoon’s Las Vegas Bowl (1:30 p.m. MT on ESPN), it’s a safe bet that more than a few Utes may have turned to the Citrus Bowl (1 p.m. on ABC).
Nearly 60% of fans who responded to a Salt Lake Tribune poll this week said they would also root for the Michigan Wolverines as Kyle Whittingham takes control of the program in Ann Arbor.
Here’s what else fans had to say about the massive transition in Salt Lake City. It’s not a scientific survey, but it does provide insight into the state of the fan base right now.
What do you think about Kyle Whittingham going to Michigan?
About a third of respondents were supportive, a third were neutral, and a third were disappointed or skeptical about the change.
“Fans (and donors) should be careful what they wish for. Whittingham’s cries for a move were naive and frustrating.”
“It was his choice and I wish him well, but beware of following your ego – it has a way of biting you.”
“I think it’s great for him. Nobody should blame him for taking on a new challenge and looking for a bigger stage.”
“It’s very strange. With all the talk of retirement over the last couple of years, things about spending time with family, etc., it’s hard to fathom Kyle taking a life and starting over.”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham celebrates after his final game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Will this change Whittingham’s legacy in Utah?
About two-thirds of you said the coach’s move to another program shouldn’t hurt his overall legacy as a Utah man.
“Absolutely. Instead of going out like the GOAT in Utah (and probably having a statue in the stadium) and watching them kick their ass next season, he’s blowing up the coaching staff and probably part of the team. He chose money and ego over legacy and family. I thought he was a Utah man, but like everyone else, he’s after money and fame.”
“His legacy as a winning coach of a program the U could be proud of is intact. He could tarnish his legacy if he poached coaches or players.”
“Not at all. Whittingham’s legacy at Utah has never been about individuals. It’s been about family. An honorable exit followed by trying to build the best program he can elsewhere just makes Whitt an adversary, it doesn’t take away from his family.”
“I’ll have to wait and see. It reminds me of when Karl Malone left Jazz to look for a ring with LA. I’d much rather see Karl finish his Jazz career.”
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as Utah hosts Cal Poly.
What are your expectations for the Morgan Scalley era in Utah?
This question had a wide range of answers. Here’s how they broke down:
“He’s a great coordinator, but I don’t think he’ll have the same success as Whittingham.
“I expect Morgan Scalley to be Whittingham 2.0. Scalley is Whit’s defensive-first student, so I don’t expect many changes. I hope Scalley can recruit good offensive coaches and players and let them do their thing, in many ways I think that’s what has kept Utah going over the years.”
“I have high hopes for Scalley, but he’s still unproven, so I’m worried too. However, it was his time and I’m glad he hit. Good or bad, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”
And finally, would you rather have Whittingham or Scalley as your coach in 2026?
Whittingham – 55.7%
Scalley – 44.3%
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