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Morgan Scalley takes over in Salt Lake City. The former longtime Utah Utes' football assistant and coach-in-waiting is built for this moment. Saying that he was the best option for the job after Kyle Whittingham left is an understatement.
If there were ever a picture of a 'Utah Man' in any encyclopedia, Scalley's photo would be there. This is in his DNA and has been since birth. He's now the face of a new generation, carrying the torch from those who came before him.
Scalley understands the values of Utah are sacred. But he's also tasked with bringing the program into a new era of college athletics. Not the easiest feat in the slightest, especially given the divide between those who can afford to compete and others who're hanging on. However, Utah got the right man for the job at a perfect time.
What drives Scalley in his life? He lives by the code of three C's. Here's how he stays humble during his challenges at work.
There are times in life where we all lose our sense of accomplishment. Scalley has character as his first 'C' for a reason. It's the first thing people recognize, and one of the only things they'll remember about someone. Being able to carry yourself as someone who is authentic, honest, trustworthy matters to Scalley. It is a cornerstone of what he's building in Utah.
Not many coaches will use competence as a term to build their team. However, the root makes a ton of sense. In the definition, three words stick out: knowledge, skills and behavior.
Do the players have a clear understanding of the facts and rules? Do they have the ability to act? If so, are they applying the proper judgment and readiness in every action? Scalley keeps it simple for the Utes players. Regardless if they have long careers in professional football, he's responsible for helping to prepare them for life.
How does Scalley set himself apart from others? Being able to find a way to connect on a deeper level. Whether this is with former or current players or recruits and their families, Scalley makes an effort to support the needs of others.
“I’m in a position, with my title and the things that I do as a coach, where a lot of people want to tell me how to do my job,” Scalley told the University of Utah Magazine. “A lot of people have opinions about me, and that’s okay, as long as I understand whose opinion matters the most. After a while, you learn to ignore the names people call you and just trust who you are. Until we come to truly value and love ourselves, we will be prone to live lives based on what we believe other people value and love.”
As Utah inches closer to the start of the 2026 season, Scalley understands it comes down to fostering a good culture built on a solid foundation. None of this would be possible without a strong leader who's a man of the people. That's now his role with the program, and one he is blessed to be in.
Where Utah ranked in Phil Steele’s College Football preseason poll
Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran
Joe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL
Continue reading...
If there were ever a picture of a 'Utah Man' in any encyclopedia, Scalley's photo would be there. This is in his DNA and has been since birth. He's now the face of a new generation, carrying the torch from those who came before him.
Scalley understands the values of Utah are sacred. But he's also tasked with bringing the program into a new era of college athletics. Not the easiest feat in the slightest, especially given the divide between those who can afford to compete and others who're hanging on. However, Utah got the right man for the job at a perfect time.
What drives Scalley in his life? He lives by the code of three C's. Here's how he stays humble during his challenges at work.
Character is key for Scalley
There are times in life where we all lose our sense of accomplishment. Scalley has character as his first 'C' for a reason. It's the first thing people recognize, and one of the only things they'll remember about someone. Being able to carry yourself as someone who is authentic, honest, trustworthy matters to Scalley. It is a cornerstone of what he's building in Utah.
Competence is a different approach
Not many coaches will use competence as a term to build their team. However, the root makes a ton of sense. In the definition, three words stick out: knowledge, skills and behavior.
Do the players have a clear understanding of the facts and rules? Do they have the ability to act? If so, are they applying the proper judgment and readiness in every action? Scalley keeps it simple for the Utes players. Regardless if they have long careers in professional football, he's responsible for helping to prepare them for life.
Connection is by far the most important
How does Scalley set himself apart from others? Being able to find a way to connect on a deeper level. Whether this is with former or current players or recruits and their families, Scalley makes an effort to support the needs of others.
“I’m in a position, with my title and the things that I do as a coach, where a lot of people want to tell me how to do my job,” Scalley told the University of Utah Magazine. “A lot of people have opinions about me, and that’s okay, as long as I understand whose opinion matters the most. After a while, you learn to ignore the names people call you and just trust who you are. Until we come to truly value and love ourselves, we will be prone to live lives based on what we believe other people value and love.”
As Utah inches closer to the start of the 2026 season, Scalley understands it comes down to fostering a good culture built on a solid foundation. None of this would be possible without a strong leader who's a man of the people. That's now his role with the program, and one he is blessed to be in.
More Utah Utes News:
Where Utah ranked in Phil Steele’s College Football preseason poll
Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran
Joe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL
Continue reading...
