Utah Utes football: Utah wants to reward Whittingham

After leading the Utes to 13 straight wins, an outright Mountain West Conference title and a berth in the Bowl Championship Series, Kyle Whittingham is a hot coaching commodity these days.

And Utah athletics director Chris Hill knows it.

"Obviously we're very pleased with what Kyle's done. We want to extend his contract," Hill said. "And we want to do what we can to make sure he feels good about being at the University of Utah. He deserves that."

In four seasons since replacing Urban Meyer as Utah's head coach, Whittingham has a 35-14 record at the helm. The Utes have been especially hot as of late, winning 20 of their past 21 games.

"We want to treat him well. So I think it is something that as soon as we can we'll get a chance to sit and visit about and see what we can do," Hill said. "The most important thing is that we treat Kyle fairly. He's done a wonderful job and we want to do what's right for him and right for the university."

At this point, it's unknown whether negotiations will center around an extension, a completely new deal or both.

"I think that will just unfold as we get a chance to visit," Hill said. "Again, we want to do what's in the best interest of the university and with Kyle, and we'll go from there."

It's all part of extending a contract and looking at the terms of the contract, Hill explained, and to make sure the university does what's fair for Whittingham.

"It just depends on what we both feel is most comfortable — whether it's extending contracts with different terms or whether you are writing a new contract," Hill said. "I think the base of the contract, you know, will be something we continue with. We'll look at terms and years and those type of things."

Hill approached Whittingham before the season was over about the situation.

"We mentioned some things," he said. "We want to make sure we do what's right for him."

Hill acknowledged that they haven't had a chance to officially meet yet. He declined to discuss specifics about the impending negotiations, but added that no timetable has been set.

"I want to respond to what's best and what's fair for Kyle and do it in a timeline that he feels comfortable with," Hill said. "So that's important and I wouldn't want to put an artificial deadline on anything."

Whittingham signed his current deal with Utah on Dec. 8, 2004. The seven-year contract featured an annual sum of $675,000 plus incentives.

Among the incentives is a $200,000 bonus if the Utes reach the BCS and an automatic one-year extension for seasons with nine or more wins.

Whittingham will collect both this year, plus more for winning the conference championship and other accolades.