Utes players in favor of Morgan Scalley eventually taking over

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – Utes defensive lineman Junior Tafuna has played for Morgan Scalley the last three seasons, and he credits him for helping turn him into an NFL caliber player.

Scalley was named the “coach in waiting” a few weeks ago whenever Kyle Whittingham decides to retire.

“That’s the right guy for the position,” Tafuna said at Big 12 Conference Media Days. “The program is in great hands defensively, but the team overall is in great hands. Coach Scalley has been a great defensive, a great coach, and a great friend to me. I think no one else deserves it.”

Scalley has been with the Utes for 17 years, having taken over as the defensive coordinator in 2016. Since then the Utes have ranked near the top of the Pac-12 in total defense. Linebacker Karene Reid just wishes he could play for Scalley has a head coach.

“I’m so happy for him,” Reid said. “We’re all so happy. I wish I would be around to see it, but obviously this is my last year. The culture, the energy, the mentality, the defense that you guys all see all came from him. So, don’t be surprised when that spreads to the whole team when he becomes the head coach.”

“One of the things he does best is keeping everyone accountable,” Tafuna added. “If you let things slip, then your team’s going to be allowed to do whatever they want. But I think with Scalley, Coach Whittingham has showed him that there’s no room for mistakes.”

If Utes fans think recruiting may take a hit when Whittingham leaves, think again. Scalley has produced 16 NFL Draft picks on defense over the last eight years.

“He’s a he’s a great evaluator of talent,” said Whittingham, who is about to enter his 20th season as Utah’s head coach. “He does a great job building relationships with the players and with their with their families. He’s direct, honest and families really appreciate that. H is track record as far as player development speaks for itself.”

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