Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Whittingham agrees to new 5-year deal

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Utah Utes football: Whittingham agrees to new 5-year deal

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Prediction | 4:08 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

So, just a couple of years ago when Kyle became the head coach the entire year was full of "FIRE KYLE" posts because the Utes were a .500 team that year. I remember hearing the KFAN radio personalities bash Kyle for being too conservative and no where close to Urban Meyer. So, let's say the Utes finish with a 8-4 record next year and third in the MWC (which is VERY likely) where does that put Kyle?? ON THE HOT SEAT!! People will say,"we are paying him 1.2 mil a year for this"? I can hear it now. Better buy some fire retardant underware Kyle - you'll need them!!

CONGRATULATIONS! | 4:04 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

GO UTES!

Wait Until Alabama | 4:08 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

runs them out of New Orleans and see how much Kyle is worth. By the way..do the taxpayers in Utah pay anything towards the Yewts expenses?

Comments continue below

Let me be the first.... | 4:10 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Thank you Coach for the wonderful season and I am looking forward to the next 5 years as I will continue to enjoy my season tickets.

good for Kyle but..... | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

... the heat is on! Utah better finish with "at least" 10 wins a season or the "fire Whitingham" chants will begin in earnest (again). Kyle would have been better off going to a place like Washington where the expectations were much lower and the ability to pay a coach such a HIGH salary would be more the norm for the conference.

wow | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Whitingham was two missed field goals and a lucky break on third down from finishing with a 10-2 season. Still a good season but the Utes were far from dominating this year and were the gracious recipients of several close games which (for not a bit of luck) could have gone the other way (Michigan, OSU, TCU). The point is, Whitingham is now the highest paid coach in the MWC and better have the record to support that year in and year out ..OR ELSE!! Hope Kyle likes the frying pan!!

to Let me be the first: | 4:23 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

you will continue to enjoy your season tickets until your Yewts lose a couple of games and then your "wonderful coach" will start hearing it from the Yewt failful (just like three years ago).

Double Bronco | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Whitingham now makes double Bronco's annual salary of $600. I guess that should translate to double the wins (it better!!)

He's paid the most... | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Because he's the best! It's called the free market. Which other MW coach has taken a team to a BCS game? None. Which other coach will? Maybe TCU's Gary Patterson, but NEVER pony boy from TDS! The way his program's going, they'll be lucky to make it back to Vegas.

Re: wow | 4:29 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Two thoughts: 1) sometimes it's better to be lucky than good (although I don't see luck playing as big a role as you in Utah's close games this year...)

2) It's not how, it's how many (I've heard this attributed to Tommy Lasorda). It's true that Utah won several close games this year, but that's the whole point - THEY WON!! This was something McBride couldn't always figure out how to do, which is part of the reason Hill fired him.

I'm thrilled to have Whitt stay on - hope he gets a good OC to join him.

Dear Boo Y Whoo fan... | 4:31 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Bronco wants to be a Utah mann...

re:everyone | 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Kyle is a fantastic coach. What I like about him is that he admits his accountability with losses. Yes, the heat is on. I am a student at the U and I have never once thought Kyle should get fired because academics, players are doing well, and they have had slips and they will, but he has always rebounded and won bowl games, that keeps your job!
Where does he get his salary? Read the article idiot! Most of this comes from advertising and ticket revenue, and under armour. The little portion comes from radio and tv. HE NEEDS TO NEW TV SHOW AND HOST. THE RED ZONE IS HORRIBLE. I could do a better job that those people. Hire me!
Mr 2 missed field goals and Oregon State, a win is a win! I dont care how many field goals someone makes/misses. UTAH WON! AND THEY WILL BEAT ALABAMA! QUEST FOR PERFECTION THIS PUNK!

these comments are dumb | 4:39 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

They are paying him fair market value for the type of year Utah had. Unless Utah wants to continue to be a stepping stone to bigger conferences, they had to make this contract. No one expects Utah to go undefeated every year. If they compete for the conference championship each year, Kyle will be fine. If they don't, he will be under pressure but he will still be plenty rich. Congrats on the great season and all the hard work, Coach.

Yewts 2009 schedule soft | 4:40 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Take a look at the "cake" 2009 schedule for the Yewts with ONE tough opponent (Oregon). San Jose State and Utah State, gee that ought to boost the Yewts back to the BCS! What a joke! Check out who the Y plays....

Arizona State
Florida State
Oklahoma

At least BYU schedules a BSC worthy schedule!!

BYU fans | 4:40 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

you are lame. You are so envious that you cannot even say congratulations.
I am so glad to wear red and have Kyle as my coach. Just keep dreaming and wishing.

Congrats Kyle, you are a great coach and we love you here at the U.

Anonymous | 4:43 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

It's nice to see that a University in the MWC rewards their coach for doing a fantastic job of getting the team into it's second BCS game. Congratulations from a life time Cougar Fan.

Too bad Hawaii let June Jones after going to a BCS Bowl. I think that a token appreciation of a pay raise would have kept him home in Hawaii instead of bolting to SMU.

I hope that if the Cougars make it to a BCS game in 2009 season, BYU will reward our coach with a significant pay raise to show our appreciation.

fun | 4:46 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

It is fun pummeling sour puss kitties and the Utes will continue to do so under their coach. Poor pitiful zoobs, so bitter at the reality of never being what they imagine they should be.

See you in a few years | 4:57 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I remember, back in 1993, after the Utes first 34-31 win against BYU, I heard MANY die hard Ute fans tell me that Ron McBride would eclipse LaVell Edwards in every coaching category there was. I heard them say McBride would win over all the big recruits, he would dominate western college football, and that eventually, the Utes would be welcomed with open arms into the PAC 10, while BYU would be at the same level as Weber State.

Now, I'm hearing the same things said about Kyle Whitingham. You'll understand then why a few of us Cougar fans might be a little skeptical.

We'll see what happens.

Kyle W.... | 5:28 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

a classy person educated at BYU.

AB Miller | 5:44 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Let's see how Twit does next year, without a senior QB, and without the favorable home schedule (every bowl team they played this year was at home, with the exception of AF.) BYU won the MWC two years in a row, last year with a sophomore QB. Will Kyle and the RedHawks/Skins do the same...? Don't bet on it. But kudos to Kyle for continuing to steal from the Huntsmans...

Ute fans in '93 were right | 5:53 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Look what has happened since. 2 BCS games (undefeated seasons) for UTAH, none for BYU, and more rivalry wins. McBride did his part in lifting the UTES and they continue to get better after normal, periodic setbacks. BYU continues to stay the same.

2009 | 6:08 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

will be an awful year for Utah and Kyle Twitingham. They will lose to TCU and BYU, finish 3rd in the MWC. With Johnson, Casteel, Mack, and both O and D coordinators gone, it is going to be a tough season in SLC.

Provo Dad | 6:14 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

It's so comical to be down here in Utah county. let me tell you, this whole BCS thing is just driving the Zoobies nuts. The posts on here show just how jealous the Y fan base is. BYU needs to learn and remember one thing. "THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW"!

Re: Same old same old | 2:29 p.m | 6:42 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

If history is any indicator (and it always is) BYU will start out with a win against Arizona State and the fans will go crazy with the new prospects of a national championship. They will do a lot of talking and then whamo, they lose to Florida St and Oklahoma. Then, the BYU faithful will talk about their tough schedule and how they should be national champions anyway because, well just because they are entitled.

How do I know this? Because BYU fans have difficulty learning from things like "The Quest for Perfection"

See you in a few years | 4:57 p. | 6:45 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

"remember, back in 1993, after the Utes first 34-31 win against BYU, I heard MANY die hard Ute fans tell me that Ron McBride would eclipse LaVell Edwards in every coaching category there was. I heard them say McBride would win over all the big recruits, he would dominate western college football, and that eventually, the Utes would be welcomed with open arms into the PAC 10,

Do you have any support for this claim?

Buying this out | 6:50 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

That's what they'll be doing in a year or two. Happens all the time. What a deal for a coach whose team got lucky twice this season. Had the Utes lost to Oregon State and Tulsa, which they should have done, and played in the Vegas Bowl, would they be offering him this deal. Almost as lucky as hitting the lottery.

FANTASTIC!! | 6:50 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Congratulations Coach Wittingham...well deserved.

Dr. Hill has been a tremendous asset to the Utah athletic program! He understands what it takes to win and to bring in the revenue. Well done!

Re: Kyle W.... | 5:28 p.m. | 6:52 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

"...a classy person educated at BYU."

Agreed. A first class guy who would rather beat BYU than work for them.

Re: Provo Dad | 6:14 p.m. | 6:57 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Great post. I don't live in Utah but the vision of blue Utah County pea green with envy is hilarious!

Go Zoobs!

wYo8 | 7:00 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

provo Dad, Just as this year will then come Jan 3rd.

wYo8 | 7:01 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

provo Dad, Just as this year will be then, come Jan 3rd.

To wYo8 | 7:59 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

"provo Dad, Just as this year will be then, come Jan 3rd. "

This sort of looks like English, yet I have no idea what it means.

Re: Buying this out | 6:50 p.m. | 8:07 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Utah didn't play Tulsa...BYU lost to them last year.

As a reminder, Whittingham was the only coach Urban Myer kept on his staff when he took over the team in 1993. Myer also wanted to take Whittingham with him to Florida.

Whittingham has proven himself as terrific head coach.

Embarrassed for Zoobs | 8:27 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

First of all, congrats to Coach Whit. As a Ute fan for life I was very critical of him and I am very happy to eat my words now as he has proven me wrong.

Secondly, you zoobies have no idea how badly you are embarrassing yourselves right now. Let go of the jealousy, the animosity, the hurt feelings etc. Kyle is clearly the better coach in this state and in the conference, he's a better recruiter and he's built a better staff. It's not even debatable at this point because of his ability to win all of his bowl games, consistently beat top 25 teams when the Zoo is 1-20 since 1999 against top 25 opponents, and already has one undefeated season and BCS bowl under his belt.
Let go of the hate and just accept that fact that he owns you, his Utes own you and even when the TDS has a better team it still takes a last minute miracle to beat Whit but when he has a superior team he blows you knuckleheads out.
Accept it and move on...he's on top and not leaving soon.

Re: Kyle W..... | 8:47 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

BYU fans are just a bunch of whinny, jealous juveniles. I guess that's because BYU wanted Kyle but he turned them down. Remember...Bronco is 2nd choice...

We're Awesome! | 9:12 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

2009 will be so dang good for byu. With a senior QB, Unga and Pita. Cougs will be unstoppable and un beatable.
I heard a coach say Timo was good enough to start in secondary. We'll be so much more awesome.

Good for "U" | 9:19 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Congratulations Coach Whittingham. You do us proud! Here's to a great Sugar Bowl and then on to the future.

We are lucky to have you!

OK! | 10:05 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Look at all the FAIR-WEATHER UTE fans on here talking smack! These are probably the same fans that are not making it to SUGAR BOWL! The so-called UTE FAN-BASE! These are the ones that do alot of talking, but can't do any type of walking! The same FANS that CAN afford to pay for their INTERNET SERVICE to come on here and talk smack about BYU, but can't afford to go to the BIGGEST GAME in their HISTORY, PERIOD!
I RESPECT whittingham AND the UTAH FOOTBALL progam and what they've done this year. Good luck to them on Friday! U UTAH fans should pay more respect to BYU! It takes alot of FORMER BYU PLAYERS, to teach your program what winning is all about! You hate BYU for being (MORMONS) and all they stand for, but a better half of the UTES (are LDS) believe and stand for the same thing! But then, you probably don't know anything UTES! You just hate BYU!
ALABAMA is gonna teach you FANS, that you should should show RESPECT to teams that have HONOR and TRADITION!
So RESPECT to the UTES! hopefully their FANS can gain some HONOR!

Jarid in Cedar | 10:11 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

So a Ute article about the coach getting a raise and 2/3 of the posts are Y fans bagging on the man and the decision....yet ONLY Utah fans post smack on BYU articles....you guys are pathetic.....can't handle that the field is now level....can't handle anyone beside BYU getting positive press in THEIR newspaper(the nerve of the sports editor!!)...

To the few Y fans who posted positive comments....your sportsmanship is appreciated, and I look forward to many years of tense games and both teams dominating the conference.

Go Utes!!

6 MILLION! | 10:14 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Football is more important than the U's academic programs! I just read a story about the U cutting funding and programs including; cutting the medical program.
The U has one of the BEST medical school and it should be a higher priority than FOOTBALL!
GIVE ME A BREAK! 6 MILLION!

What a waste of money | 10:28 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Paying a coach that much money just because he team got lucky twice this season, beating both TCU and Oregon State on pure luck.

Helen Waite | 10:45 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

In this Recession with our kids Tuition going up
Now we know why. Its not because of our poor economy, its because the football program apparently needs a raise more than our kids need to be educated... Nice

TucsonUte | 10:47 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Worth every penny. Remember all the BYU fans saying what a poor hire Whittingham was after his 2nd season. Well, it looks like they were wrong. Hopefully, Coach Whittingham will be a fixture for years to come on the hill.

Dave | 10:57 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

When will the Kitty Kat's jealousy end?? Your whining and childish comments are really getting old. It's about time you realize once and for all that you are our little brothers and always will be. There's nothing wrong with that...

RE: We're Awesome!! | 11:01 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Not unbeatable. They will probably lose to Florida State an Oklahoma. That doesn't mean that they won't win the conference, because they probably will anyway. Just that they're not unbeatable

However, if your OC could learn how to use Unga properly, then BYU might actually be nearly unbeatable. Too bad he's the best underused back in college football. He should've come to Utah, like he planned originally. He'd be at the Sugar Bowl now, and next year we'd have a better season for having him. Oh well, Asiata's great too.

On topic, good for Whit, I'm glad that we get to keep him. And thank goodness some moronic school decided to hire away Andy Ludwig. And it's sad we had to lose Gary Andersen, he was amazing.

Oh, and to whoever it was that said that no Ute fans are going to New Orleans, think again. Will we pack the Super Dome? No. But there are a lot of fans going. Myself included.

GO UTES!!!

Monkey | 11:06 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Whoever wrote, OK! | 10:05 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008, seriously has the emotional intelligence of monkey.
Good grief man! Take a chill pill.

gridironsam | 11:08 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I thought most BYU fans maintain the company line that they are SO GLAD Kyle turned down their job offer so they could get Bronco. That being the case, it should be insignificant what Whittingham does and gets rewarded for at Utah. All the derogatory comments make you look envious, or just petty and angry. Both coaches are good coaches. Whittingham isn't "lucky", he is a good coach. Bronco may sound like a mix of a management conultant and sunday school teacher, but his record speaks for itself too. Don't they both have nearly identical win-loss records over the past 4 years?

Waste of Money | 12:22 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

Kyle is smart to take advantage of a lucky-ref aided season, because after getting trounced by Alabama on Friday and has a mediocre 2009 season, Dr. Hill will be kicking himself....Sorry, Whittingham isnt worth that kind of money (probably would have settled for a lot less). Wasn't it just last year he got spanked by UNLV and lost to the Y and Air Force?

signs of things to come.. | 12:31 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

That's what schools do when their FOOTBALL PROGRAM are on the "national stage" all the time...congrats! UTES...memo: to the MWC, "CATCH UP"!

UTAH FOOTBALL 2009
"WE STAY ON TOP"

ITrustNo1 | 12:54 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

Kudos to Kyle and the Utes, and I hope you do us proud against Bama. That said, I would like to just take a monent and thank Bronco for the turn around he has made at BYU. He didn't inherit a undefeated BCS team like kyle did. He has beaten Utah two out of the last four years, (I know the Utes are still whinnig over the two losses they suffered against BYU, however, bottom line...the Utes LOST, and BYU won). I rest my case. Bronco's over all win loss record is still better than Kyles, and after nine defensive players graduated last year, I think 10 and 3 is pretty darn good season. The Utes are going to get hit pretty hard too this year with players graduating, so be gentle, next year could be a long one.

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