When a rock-and-roller like Kyle Whittingham says he’s done as Utah’s football coach, after 21 years at the helm, there’s only one lyric to borrow, thus one from the Eagles’ Hotel California.
“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
Yeah, Whittingham is checking out, but leaving is not an option. He could move his physical body and also his mind, but not his name. That name should never not be associated with Utah football. His impact has been too great, too lasting.
All of which is to say: Name the playing surface at Rice-Eccles Stadium after the man. Kyle Whittingham Field.
In a day of corporate everything, this is a moment to buck that trend and go with honoring someone, something, a certain name, that is more noble.
That’s it. That’s all this column is about.
Perhaps others will sound a call for the same thing. We can all agree on this one.
I’ve written countless columns on the coach, some tactical, some personal. A few critical, most complimentary. A few years ago, I was happy to write a feature column on him when he was named The Salt Lake Tribune’s Utahn of the Year. He deserved it. And he deserves this suggested tribute now.
Those who say he’ll take a high-paying job at some other school … whatever. It could be that he’s a bit upset about the way he was treated by certain people here and there at the end. That possibility of leaving, or the suggestion of it, might be evidence of some displeasure on Whittingham’s part. Or it might just be the fact that he could make $10 million a year leading some other charge. He’s always said he didn’t want to coach into old age. He’s 66. Is that old?
I asked a good friend of Kyle’s if he thought the coach would go elsewhere. His exact response: “It would surprise me.”
Either way, not only should Whittingham’s name be on the Utes’ field, his image belongs on the Mount Rushmore of all coaches of all sports in the state. Carve his face next to the countenance of his coach of old — LaVell Edwards. A statue is in order, too.
Put respect on Kyle Whittingham and his name. He’s won more football games at Utah than anyone else, than anyone else could or would have.
So let it be written, so let it be done.