Kyle Whittingham’s Departure from Utah: A Look at the Buyout and Succession Plan

Former University of Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham will receive a $13.5 million buyout from the university, according to documents released on March 20, 2026. The payout comes as Whittingham transitioned to a new role with the University of Michigan, and details reveal he initially expressed a desire to remain with the Utes.

Whittingham’s Desire to Stay at Utah

Despite speculation about retirement, Kyle Whittingham publicly stated his intention to continue coaching at Utah. He even joked about entering the “transfer portal” to emphasize his commitment to the program according to KSL Sports. Documents also display that, four days after a successful 10-win regular season in the fall of 2025, his agent informed the university he did not plan to retire as reported by MSN.

Succession Plan and Morgan Scalley

The University of Utah had a pre-determined succession plan in place, naming defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as Whittingham’s successor. This plan was announced on July 1, 2024, by athletic director Mark Harlan as detailed by the Deseret News. Harlan emphasized that Whittingham had built a strong foundation for the program as it transitioned to the Big 12 Conference and the expanded College Football Playoff.

Financial Details of the Buyout

The $13.5 million buyout will be paid to Whittingham over the next three years according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The release of these documents provides further insight into the circumstances surrounding Whittingham’s departure and the university’s preparations for a new era of Utah football.