Las Vegas • It’s only been four days since Morgan Scalley officially assumed Utah’s head coaching role from Kyle Whittingham.
But it’s safe to say he’s already got a lot on his plate.
With Whittingham leaving for Michigan, Utes offensive coordinator Jason Beck has reportedly become the “target” candidate for the Wolverines, according to a report from ESPN. That means Scalley, Utah’s longtime defensive coordinator, could potentially have to fill two coordinator positions before the NCAA transfer portal opens on Friday.
That’s not even accounting for the other potential losses coming for the Utes in the next few days. Several Ute players and assistants might ultimately choose to join Whittingham in Ann Arbor after Utah’s bowl game on New Year’s Eve, leaving Scalley with a lot of work to do heading into the offseason.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) University of Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the Utah Utes are hosted by Utah State during NCAA football in Logan, Utah on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
“We’re focused on this bowl and sending out our seniors the right way,” Scalley said when asked of conversations with Beck, players and some of Utah’s assistant coaches. “Is there a plan in place. You better believe it, and our players understand and this is. This is what college football is now. Change is going to happen.”
All-American defensive end John Henry Daley already announced his plans to enter the transfer portal on Tuesday morning.
Losing Beck could have massive implications for Utah’s coaching staff and quarterback room. Junior quarterback Devon Dampier has started for Beck the last two seasons, first at New Mexico and then at Utah.
True freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who signed his deal to return to the Utes earlier this month, was recruited by Whittingham as a three-star out of Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Assistant coaches Micah Simon and Koy Detmer also joined the Utes from Beck’s staff on the Lobos.
While change is coming, Scalley said he wants to make sure he stays true to himself and not try to be like anyone before him.
“I think to be able to be true to myself and who I am as a coach, and not be, try to be Kyle Whittingham, not try to be Urban Meyer, not try and be Ron McBride, the coaches that have mentored me along the way [is important],” Scalley said.
“Culture is what you believe, how you behave, and the experience that’s delivered by that behavior. The number one thing that I want to be able to establish is: What is that culture? A lot of those elements are going to continue from what Kyle did, but it’s getting people and getting everyone on board and moving that same direction.”