Utes turn to 'Utah Man' Scalley to take over as safeties coach

As expected, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham stayed "in-house" to fill the vacancy on his coaching staff.

Former player Morgan Scalley was officially hired as the Utes' new safeties coach. He'll also be involved with special teams.

"We are pleased to announce the addition of Morgan Scalley to our coaching staff," Whittingham said in a released statement. "As a coach, Morgan brings the same energy and passion to our program that he did when he was a team captain and an All-America defensive back for us. Morgan did a great job this past season in his role as a graduate assistant coach, and after conducting a national search, it became apparent that he was the right fit for our staff."

Scalley enthusiastically agrees.

"I have always been a 'Utah Man' and I'm grateful that coach Whittingham has given me the opportunity to coach at the school I love," Scalley said in the official announcement. "In addition to coaching, I think I can sell this program as well as anyone — because I truly believe in what the U. has to offer. I can't wait for the season to start."

Scalley, who has spent the past two campaigns as a graduate assistant — the first as an administrator, the second as coach of the strong-side linebackers — replaces Derrick Odum on the full-time staff. Odum left Utah last month to become the secondary coach at SMU.

The departure was just the second in Whittingham's three seasons as head coach. Aaron Alford joined the coaching staff last year after Jay Boulware accepted a position at Iowa State.

Scalley had a stellar playing career at Utah as a defensive back and return specialist. He was a captain on Utah's 2004 team that went 12-0 and made a historic journey into the Bowl Championship Series.

Scalley was named co-Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and garnered second-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press and SportsIllustrated.com. He participated in the East-West Shrine Game and was awarded with the inaugural Pat Tillman Award for his character, intelligence, service and sportsmanship.

The former Highland High star and Deseret News Mr. Football recipient also excelled academically — earning two post-graduate scholarships, including one from the NCAA. Scalley was a two-time, first-team Academic All-American and was named Anson Mount and MWC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2004.