Utah Utes football: Kyle Whittingham relishes opportunity to coach his son

Being together in the football program for the past three years is something the Whittinghams value greatly.

"It's obviously very important," Kyle said. "It's been a great experience with him."

On the field, though, the father and son relationship becomes a coach and player situation.

"That's the way it has to be. You have to treat all your players the same within reason," Kyle said. "You treat players the way they deserve to be treated. That's an old John Wooden axiom, but as far as the expectations — what we demand and what we require — it's all the same."

Even so, the end of that era will be emotional for both Whittinghams. It almost came to an end a year ago. Tyler was going to graduate last spring, but opted to take a couple of more classes this fall.

"This is kind of the bonus round for me," Tyler said. "I was sad last year because I didn't think I was coming back this year."

Tyler's impending departure, however, may not be the last time Whittingham could have a son on the team. His youngest boy, Alex, is currently serving a mission in New Zealand. He was a starting linebacker at Brighton but tore his ACL in the first game of his senior season.

"I'm hoping he opts to play when he gets home," Kyle said. "I hope so, but we'll see."

Email: dirk@desnews.com Twitter: @DirkFacer