Brad Rock: Whit's Guys: When it comes to hiring, Kyle Whittingham sticks with people he knows

By Brad Rock, Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Feb. 11 2012 7:26 p.m. MST

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Deseret News

Summary

If you're in Kyle Whittingham's bowling league, health club or even church group, a coaching position at the University of Utah could await.

In that sense, Johnson isn't such a risk. He proved he could handle pressure as the U.'s quarterback in the 2008 Sugar Bowl season. He knows the landscape, knows the team's recruiting strengths and weaknesses. Just as importantly, he knows Coach Whit, who is a fine coach but a lousy candidate for "Let's Make a Deal."

He would never trade the kitchen appliance combo for whatever is behind Door No. 3.

So Utah is moving ahead with everybody from the neighborhood. While many teams claim nationwide searches to find coaches, the Utes are doing nicely with the people close to home. They are motivated, smart and successful. Beyond that, they're proving that sometimes the best answers are right beneath your nose.

email: rock@desnews.com

Twitter: therockmonster

Facebook: rockmonsterunplugged

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GoRed

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT

@ThomasJefferson

I'm not sure what you mean by "another mediocre" season. Going 8-5 in their first year in the PAC-12 against mostly all BCS-caliber teams is a very good accomplishment, especially when you add in four impressive More..

1:37 p.m. Feb. 12, 2012
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54-10

Salt Lake City, UT

@ Duckhunter | 9:56 a.m. Feb. 13, 2012
Highland, UT

Whereas playing the 101st worst schedule in the nation, losing 54-10 on your home field (and quitting in the 3rd quarter), is acceptable for Cougar "fans".

10:07 a.m. Feb. 13, 2012
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Howard S.

Taylorsville, UT

@sammyg

sammyg, my friend, aren't there some "BYU to the Big 12" conference rumors that you should be attending to?

When you know what it's like to play a big-time BCS schedule your comments on a Utah article will have More..

7:39 p.m. Feb. 12, 2012
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