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The Utah Utes will end an era when they play Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31.
It will be coach Kyle Whittingham's last game as head coach, as the 66-year-old announced he will step down from the role on Friday. Whittingham is the winningest coach in program history, going 117-88 in 22 seasons.
“The time has come for me to step down from my position as head football coach at the University of Utah,” Whittingham said in a statement Friday.
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches from the sideline during the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2025. (Chris Jones/Image Images)
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years, and I am very grateful for the relationships forged with all of the players and assistant coaches who have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and the pen during our time here.”
Whittingham co-coached the Fiesta Bowl with Utah in 2004 and then took over as permanent head coach the following season. Whittingham led Utah to a winning record in 18 of his 21 seasons.
This season, Utah is 10-2 and at one point ranked 13th in the AP Poll, just missing the College Football Playoff (CFB).
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, on Nov. 28, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Image Images)
Whittingham was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1981 as a senior.
Before moving into coaching, Whittingham played in both the USFL and CFL from 1982-1984 before beginning his coaching career as a GA at BYU.
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Whittingham joined the Utah staff in 1994 and rose through the ranks. He started as a defensive line coach and eventually became defensive coordinator before becoming the team's head coach.
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His last game on the sidelines will be the team's bowl game against Nebraska. Whittingham, who is 11-6 in bowl games as head coach, will look to finish his tenure with a win on December 31.
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