Bad Finish in 2024 Kept Kyle Whittingham From Retiring

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t mince words at Big 12 Media Days when asked about his future. He confessed this past season left him too frustrated and disappointed to simply walk away.

“I couldn’t step away on that note. It was too frustrating and too disappointing. Had we won the championship last year, I might not be sitting here,” he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

That is a bold admission from a coach who elevated Utah from Mountain West underdog to Pac‑12 contender. Heading into the Big 12, expectations were sky high. Instead, Utah stumbled mightily after a 4–0 start. They lost seven straight and closed at 5‑7, effectively ending Whittingham’s playoff hopes and putting some dark clouds over his legacy.

With 20 seasons on the sidelines, Whittingham has earned plenty of grace. But this collapse cuts deeper than a rough year. It reshaped narratives: from a disciplined power program to an inconsistent squad.

A championship in 2024 might have sealed his decision to retire on his terms, though. Instead, that gritty stumble left unfinished business and a question mark hanging over his future.

The Utes have a built-in succession plan for when the day does come, however. Morgan Scalley stands ready as head coach‑in‑waiting, and Utah has mapped a clear transition plan when Whittingham departs.

The pieces are aligned, and if the Utes rebound in 2025, it could be a perfect send‑off. But another disappointing finish, and Whittingham may have no choice but to step aside.

Utah’s 2025 season comes with a paradox. Success means stability and a graceful exit for the coach who built the modern Utes. Another stumble forces the flash of retirement behind the play‑calling mic and opens the door for new leadership earlier than expected.

For now, Whittingham is back in the semi-Hot Seat. The next 12 games aren’t just about wins. They’ll determine if Utah keeps its architect or ushers in a new era.