Is Kyle Whittingham fired? Exploring latest development around Utah Utes HC job for Morgan Scalley

On Monday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on X a transition for the next head coach of the Utah Utes. Although the team is not firing coach Kyle Whittingham, this is just getting ahead of things for the eventual changing of the guard.

The Utah Utes are preparing for when Whittingham leaves the program to have their next coach in place. It is smart of them, as this keeps defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley in his position and establishes the type of players the program wants.

With the same level of players established in Whittingham's system with Scalley, the seamless transition of power will stay with the Utah Utes. There is no timetable for when Whittingham will leave the program.

What does this news mean for the 2024 Utah Utes?

The 2024 Utah Utes doesn't have major changes or shake-ups in place. The only significant change for the 2024 college football season is they are no longer with the Pac-12. They are now members of the Big 12.

What does this mean for the Utah Utes in future?

This gives the program a sense of direction. With Whittingham understanding his time as the coach of the Utah Utes, the program gets a chance to keep the team going without any hitches. The players are used to the same system, as Morgan Scalley has been part of the University of Utah for the previous 17 seasons.

Whittingham has been the coach for a while, but this is just a succession plan when things wind up in place. The defense has been one of the best in the nation consistently. And the promotion of Scalley makes sense as they are promoting a former Utes safety to coach.