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Utah Utes football: Utah wants to reward Whittingham

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re: WAC Better Than MWC | 10:48 p.m. Nov. 26, 2008

This must be a joke, no one capable of rational thought could actually believe this drivel. So BYU played UCLA and Washington, and Utah played Michigan. But they also beat OSU (about to win the PAC-10), BYU, and TCU (all ranked above Oregon in the BCS - and a 5 point victory doesn't constitute a spanking). And as "constitent" as BSU is, they WILL NOT be playing in a BCS game this year. Yes they meet the qualifications but the selection committee only has to pick one qualifying team from outside the BCS conferences and the team that earns that guarantee is the highest ranked non-BCS school. Sorry Broncs, you're out of luck again. But keep scheduling those easy games so you can have more undefeated seasons... or join the MWC and play against a couple of real teams - if you dare.

Whit takes Utes to the NC | 11:02 p.m. Nov. 26, 2008

The difference with Urban and Whit is that Urban had zero family in Utah, and came into the Utah job looking at it as a stepping stone. Whit has lots of family between SLC and Provo and history with the Utes.

I'm sure he'll get offered 1 mil plus to stay at Utah. Maybe a Washington or Tennesee could pay him 2 mil a year, but those programs are in bad shape. So it may be smarter to take 1 mil at a program with a bright future, than to take 2 mil at a program that was 1-10 the previous season and risk getting fired in 3 years cause you can't recruit and turn it around in time.

Urban loves the spotlight and the headlines, Kyle isn't that way. I think (and hope) that it is likely that Kyle stays at Utah. Plus if Kyle stays here and continues to build, then he could have a shot to be the first to win the National Championship at a non-BCS school. Even Urban wouldn't have that on him.

The Best Thing | 11:03 p.m. Nov. 26, 2008

about the Utes going is undefeated, is to make sure that Boise doesn't get a BCS bid. The only quality win they had was against a so-so Oregon team. The WAC is weak this year (like most years) and no one from their league deserves a BCS bid. Maybe they can play Ball State somewhere in the 'I don't care Bowl'.

Comments continue below

if aint broke why fix it.. | 11:31 p.m. Nov. 26, 2008

If I were kyle I would stay put!...a raise, yes! Utah is starting to get a lot of notice around the country and is now a lagit program. Take a job at a bcs school and 1 or 2 loss season and you'll be coaching at junior college...not all $ is good $. Plus 2 bcs appearences in 4 years, you can have 3 losing seasons and be forgiven..lol!

Love dem utes!

Cost of living | 11:42 p.m. Nov. 26, 2008

Plus, making 1 mil in Utah = 3 mil in Washington. The cost of living in Seattle is insane. Plus where would Whit ride his snowmobiles from All-Access? Now making 3 mil in Nashville, that is a different story.

Learn from others | 12:47 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

John L. Smith left a lifetime or at least very long term job at Louisville for a bigger name school where he had to start over with a bad team and super high expectations. Now he is just hoping to end up at some place like Utah State. Why would Kyle want to leave a secure job and established program to go through the same high stress demands of turning around a door mat or get fired 3 years down the road?

Besides, he and his family like Utah and the school and community seem like they will take good care of him for the long term. The only reason to leave may be a chance "someday" at a national championship in a bigger BCS conference. The likely hood is better that the BCS gets disbanded by the new government and the NCAA is allowed to establish a 16 team playoff system to allow the Utes (Boise, BYU and all other non BCS schools) a legit chance at playing for a national championship on the field and not leaving it up to computers and biased polls!

SML-PDX | 1:13 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

What do BYU and Utah students have in common? They both applied to BYU.

Keep idolizing Whittingham, it will make your dissappointment even sweeter for me when they come crashing down!

Re: Learn from Others | 1:36 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

You don't know what ambitions Whit has. It might be that he is driven to try the NFL etc. Utah would be a great place to have a long career, but it might not be his dream. There are bigger and better places out there, and if that's what he wants, then I say he should take the chance.

Utah Forever | 4:30 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Utah has always given Kyle a chance and I say loyalty wins out. Utah has given Kyle a chance to develop as a Head Coach ans now he can be a great coach. Money helps but not from Washington or Tennessee-Utah knows Whittingham football.

Skippy | 5:05 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

It all boils down to money.

...and it should! | 6:30 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Frankly, my job all boils down to money as well. I enjoy my job usually, but if I didn't need the cash, I'd be out of there.

Childish fans.... | 7:16 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

The story about Whittingham possibly leaving is intriguing. I am a BYU fan. I was let down when he took the job at Utah since he played at BYU. As soon as BYU took Bronco, I was happy with their choice. Both coaches have done terrific jobs with both of their programs. It hurt to lose this year, but we won the previous 2, so that makes a great rivalry. Respect is the word of the day when it all comes down to it. I have respect for what Whit has done. Being out of the BCS, we should all have respect and courtesy for the rest of the teams in our conferences because the BCS doesn't share with us. I would hate to see Utah lose Whit just as I would if BYU lost Bronco. Until the BCS system changes, coaches will naturally do what's in the best interest of their families. Who among us would turn down a job that paid 2-3 times as much as we're making now? I hope he stays on, but I have the feeling if Utah doesn't ante up, he would bolt. Business. It's a killer.

The truth | 7:38 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Here's the truth, records aside. Utah fans who think differently are just ignoring reality: TCU is the best team in the MWC. The Horned Frogs outplayed Utah and lost by a couple of fluke plays. Utah is right behind and BYU is right behind the Utes. But had Utah played the same schedule as BYU the Utes would for sure have lost to TCU, and probably to BYU on the road. So, why all of a sudden is Kyle Whittingham considered a coaching genius when in reality he was just a beneficiary of getting to play TCU and BYU at home this season?

Re: Gretzky | 7:53 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

What game were you watching on November 22nd?

It took the best of three quarters but the Utes OWNED your cougars in the 4th. You don't believe it? Go look at the photographs the Deseret News took of the game. There are a number of pass interference calls that could be nothing but correct. BYU was double teaming Freddie Brown all night and he made them pay dearly.

As for the personal fouls committed by BYU...it started with the Utah State game and has progressively become worse.

Say it with me "Utah OWNS BYU."

As for TCU, go look at the post Re: 3 Plays Away... at 4:51pm. That will bring a smile to your face.

Re: SML-PDX | 8:04 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

There you are...welcome back, it's been a while. Are you over over the crushing loss your Cougs took on Saturday? I'm glad you are still with us.

FYI...I turned down BYU! and for those interested in health sciences, medical school, and a host of other academic pursuits, BYU isn't even in the picture.

By the way, Harline was nowhere to be found on Saturday and Utah's defense is STILL open.

It you watched | 8:06 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

the Red Zone last Sunday Whittingham said" He's going Nowhere", he loves Utah too much and I'm sure money is one of the last things on his mind for coaching, he has way too much passion for the Utah football program. He is staying.

Whit = Utah's Joe Pa | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

All these Zoobs just crack me up!!!!!! They lose to the Utes and try to rewind time by blaming kickers, referees, etc. Did any of these Zoobs really see their mythical 1984 NC Holiday Bowl win over an inferior 6-5 Michigan team? The last minute lucky win to give them their "Bo Didley Tech" NC?

Then they claim Whit will bail Utah for Washington? Haaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaa. Going to that train wreck would be career suicide and Whit knows it.

Kyle knows he has a great thing going at Utah, just like Lavell did at BYU. He was offered jobs and more money, but didn't want to leave when he had job security due to a bankable success every season. Success & winning breeds more success & winning. Kyle won't give that up to go to Washington or Tennessee.

You Zoobs forget that Urban was offered upwards of $2 million per season by wealthy donors such as the Eccles family, but he wanted his chance at the NC and knew the current BCS format wouldn't allow it at Utah. Kyle wants to build a program and a legacy. Kyle will get a nice new contract ans stay put. Keep dreaming Zoobs!

lou | 8:11 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Does anyone realize that the Utes could have been playing for the National Championship if it were not fore a bone-headed move by the athletic department?

Yes, the Utes.

The Utes had Texas on their schedule for this year a few years ago. With an upset of the Longhorns and Texas in the National title hunt, the Utes would be right there.

Instead, we cancelled on them because "we had to make room" for TCU. Which was bogus. It didn't make sense because we then scheduled Weber State a few weeks later. Then last year we added Michigan to the schedule for the 12th game. Make room for TCU was a big excuse. I don't know if it was Chris Hill or Urban Meyer who nixed the game, but they are surely regretting that decision now.

What a shame! Oh...what could have been?

Great season though...GO UTES!

Dawg Fan | 8:24 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

U Dub is willing to pay $2 to close to $3 million a season. Perfect seasons don't come around too often and what better time to get big money than now? The Seattle area is a great place to raise a family and the Bellevue School District is ranked as one of the best in the nation.

PS - besides beating BYU (who won by 1 over winless Washington) and TCU, they also defeated probable Pac 10 champion Oregon St.

Volunteers | 8:43 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Rumor has it Whitt will interview for the Tennessee Volunteer job? I would love to see him wearing the orange and white. Kyle would be a great fit in our competitive environment.

soakblue | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

"Utah & TCU are clearly the class of the MWC, as shown by what they did to the kougs."

Correct. Any success in the MWC is measured by how well the team did against BYU.

Let's talk Seattle... | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

I go there often on business travel so I know the area, housing, and culture. At least, I have done some research over the years and talked with residents. The Seattle area is absolutely beautiful in July and August when the sky is blue and the air is clear. The vistas are unparalleled. Bellevue and many other areas are great and do, in fact, have highly rated and great school districts.

But...(and this is not a put down, I love Seattle)
10 months out of the year the sky is gray and the drizzle is almost non-stop. The Puget Sound area has one of the highest consumption rates of prozac in the nation and it is believed to be, at least in part, weather related. Though the schools are top notch, they are also some of the most liberal in the nation. The cost of living is out of sight.

Whittingham will stay at Utah.

Building a program | 9:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Success in college football coaching is extremely difficult. Steve Spurrier and Lou Holtz had both won NC at other schools and took the money offered by South Carolina to build up that program. Guess what, neither could do it.

Building a program that is down is nearly impossible, because recruiting young kids to a losing program is so difficult and the alumni who dole out money to support the program don't want to wait 5 years for success.

On paper, San Diego State should have more success; UNLV too. Beautiful campus at SDSU, near the beach, beautiful women, and great facilities. The problem is they can't recruit from their SoCal base because they have a losing tradition.

Kyle can build long-term success at Utah and he will be offered substantially more money by Dr. Hill than he is making now. Why go to Washington and have 3 losing seasons, get run out of town, and destroy your future coaching prospects for $2 million a year? He'll probably make $1.5 mil at Utah and get a long-term contract.

Get real people, if Kyle leaves it will be to the NFL or a school that has a chance to win.

RE: The Truth | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Whitt is considered a coaching genious because he is a great recruiter, and has been since the days of being the D-Coordinator. He could take the Washington job or the Vols job. However, I do not think those are programs he wants to walk into. They a both a collective mess. Willingham has no talentat UW Tennessee has every recruit and young player jumping ship. Utah has his players, for the first time all his recruits with the exception of a few very few will take the field for the Utes. I do not think Whitt will take the Jo Pa route and stay for the rest of his life. However I do feel he will stay a while

Tarheel Ute | 9:30 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Based on how he decided between Utah and BYU four years ago, Wittingham will consider the relative opportunities, location/tradition and money.

Tennessee: Good opportunity and football tradition, decent location and great money. What a tough place to rebuild, competing with other SEC schools for recruits and with a SEC schedule. Not a good fit.

Washington: Good opportunity and football tradition, great location and decent money. Even though itï¿½s somewhat close to home, is there the patience to re-build this broken program? Can he compete for recruits with single BCS bowl? Otherwise a great fit for Wittingham.

Notre Dame??: Great opportunity and football tradition, great location and great money. However will Catholics tolerate a Mormon coach? Never Happen!

Utah: Good opportunity, decent Football tradition and location, OK money. Is the next few years going to offer a better opportunity to repeat? Utah snuck up on a few teams and this years schedule was uniquely favorable. Is he willing to stay and further build the Utah program (Think Lavell Edwards)? A long term contract with real money and expanding RES are a must.

I think he stays. But if he goes he goes to Washington.

Festus | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

I absolutely love the obvious panic and fear amoung the Coog Nation that Whitt will remain at Utah for 20 years and dominate the MWC like Lavell did in the WAC.

Good Fit - Utah/Kyle | 9:52 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

I hope Kyle realizes what a good thing he has going at Utah. Yes, he could go for the big payday at Washington, Notre Dame, or Tennessee. But those programs are in the dumps. It's nothing like the situation where Urban Meyer went to Florida. The Gators were still loaded.

Washington is going to have a perfect season this year (0-12) and Kyle would be nuts to go into that situation. Husky fans expect PAC-10 championships as soon as they throw money at their problems.

Tennessee... the pressure is even greater and the team might be the worst of the bunch (lost to Wyoming? - who loses to Wyoming?) Kyle would be expected to beat Urban Meyer at least every other year.

Notre Dame? Well, you better be in the National Championship hunt about every third year if you expect to survive there. Kyle has a better opportunity to win a national title at Utah than he does at Notre Dame.

Kyle will continue to excel at Utah. The MWC is moving up in the world. The payday is coming if he stays at Utah. And he'll survive at Utah. Those other schools will run him out of town.

Why Leave? | 10:20 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Utah's recruiting classes are just going to keep getting better every year. Just look at this year. Brian Johnson is the new Heisman Candidate coming in at 5th place, on espn dot com. Utah currently has one of the best QB's in the nation, a top 5 or 10 defense that has 9 of 11 starters returning next year (yes max hall will be playing the exact same defense next year that took the ball away from him 6 times last week). But the bottom line is every year utah's recruiting will get better and better, and if you give kyle 5 or 10 years utah probably become a consistent top 15 program almost year in and year out. It's all about giving the coaches time. Look at BYU, they have a few seasons that dont go their way with crowton, they kick him out of there, and he becomes one of the best offensive coordinators in college football. Just give coaches time to get the hang of things and get settled in. Crowton didn't even get a chance to play with his own recruits and the impatienceness (if thats a word) of the BYU program fired him.

offense 2009? | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Things will indeed be tested in the Offense this next season. With Johnson gone, there is not a lock in at QB. Could end up a bad bad deal. With this type of offense QB's get hurt, hope they have some wide open QB's to pick from.

BCS $ | 10:26 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Utah with it's fan base can get BCS $ There are a-lot of fat wallet alum out there. So Utah can step up and make it happen.

manchu warrior | 10:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

#1, BSU FANS, that includes the CC team in indiana, can you say USC, Cal, Texas A&M, ORegon x2 and Or St x2, UCLA, NC, G Tech, Mich, Indiana x2 Tulsa, louiville, Navy, Arizona x2, southern miss, s florida, pitt wich should have been Auburn, and yes BSU, I mention that because yes it was your defining glory. that is just our non conference wins 15-1 against bcs teams since 2002, and yes we do "thank God" have you on our schedule 3 more times, so duck from that!
THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE KNOW YOU IS ESPN! trust me we once had that controling empire force us on thursday night games in the MWC, now you have it, but I like our record 2 BCS out of 4 yrs without ESPN dictating who and when we play! go ahead feel good people like you, it's on the field you earn it!
I have little to say about the fools who are crying officials cost them the game, put your self in posistion they don't matter, like utah had to do, remember your 3 drives were flag aided or you lose 60-3, our players force missed fieldgoals, intercept and tackle, yoursshouldhave

smart money | 10:43 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Let Whit go to the BCS and spend the money trying to get Bronco! It is just a matter of time before Whit. takes more money and splits, so let's beat him to the draw and go after Mendinhall.
DO IT NOW UTES111

Cougar Blue and Bronco Blue | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

All this chatter about the WAC and the MWC is great. The Wasatch Front folks think the Cougar/Ute region is the center of the Universe and that the WAC is made up of their lesser brethren. Well, the truth is that the current WAC is the equal if not the better of the MWC.

For instance, this year UNLV of the MWC got creamed 49-27 in Las Vegas by the WAC's Nevada. In fact, the last time BYU ventured into Reno, the Cougars lost to Nevada.

The last time Utah played Boise Kyle Whittingham's famous "We Got Drilled" quote was the headline,and that game was played in Rice Eccles. Ron McBride got fired by Utah in large part because he couldn't beat the Broncos.

Boise State will play anyone, anytime, anywhere provided it is a home and home agreement.

Aside from Boise State's 13-0 dominance of the MWC schools, including 5-0 against Utah and BYU, Utah played a patsy Michigan team this year, BYU played UCLA the worst team in the PAC-10 and Boise State beat a good Oregon team.

Come on Wasatch Front folks, admit the Broncos are a solid program.

Re: Kruger is still open | 11:00 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

You say "Kyle is loyal"....yea, he was real loyal to BYU when he was there, wasn't he. He's already shown that's it's all about "show me the money!!!!"

Recruiter? | 11:03 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

All of the state's best players chose BYU this year.

Ratman | 11:09 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Why are so many zoobie & donkey fans posting on this Ute article? Sounds like a case of BCS envy to me.

Carl | 11:26 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

What if the U put this kind of money into academic programs? Maybe we wouldn't be so far behind other countries in scientific and other scholastic pursuits.

Like it or not, we get what we deserve. People do vote with their wallets!

Nostradamus | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 27, 2008

WINNING or LEADING. Clearly it's fun to win (last Saturday was awesome!) - but what Utah wants from Coach Whitt is leadership and this he does really well. Washington and Notre Dame want someone to come make them winners and they seem desperate.

Bronco and Kyle are both leaders and the class of their teams and their programs demonstrate this. I hope Kyle stays and leads these young men toward the potential (football or not) that they have. If he chooses to leave, then Dr. Hill will find someone else to lead the program...we'd miss Kyle, but we would continue to prosper (where is the next Urban Meyer anyway?...my money is on Chris Hill finding him).

Anyway, I hope Coach Whitt stays...if not...we will be OK!

Anonymous | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

people who complain about the money are completely ignorant... sports is a marketing department... football brings more money to the university than anything else... get a clue

Maybe not TN | 12:22 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

FROM ESPN -

"...With reports circulating Wednesday that former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin had been offered the Tennessee job, Hamilton was adamant that he hadn't offered the job to anybody.

In the end, that may be just a formality.

The 33-year-old Kiffin has been at the forefront of Tennessee's search for some time, and barring some sort of snag in the process, will likely be announced as the Vols' next coach early next week."

Wow - you Cougar fans are so good at predictions!

frustrated | 12:28 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Funny, the last two years, cougar fans were asking "Whittingham who"? and were singing Bronco's praises, especially since Kyle was also considered for the BYU job as head coach. Now Kyle has proven BEYOND and WAY BETTER than Bronco's record and performance as a coach, what do we say now? Here's my suggestion: Drop the firesides and drop the animated goals like the "Quest for Perfection" - instead it's time for reflection, and concentrate on playing football. Keep the goals written inside the helmets - no more commercial campaigns. I know what you're going to say now about the firesides - "We're preparing men for life not just football" ....yea, that's baloney! Let's be REAL!!. Let the players learn the "other" side of life at church and in their own time. Football has its own laws to obey: "speed, strength, agility, etc.," As long as you obey the laws that govern football, then you will have better chances of winning and beating the Utes.
Next year when McKay Jacobsen returns, I hope we don't have the monopolizing and predictable Hall to Collie show ANYMORE!
Oh, and plese DROP the HAKA too! It's becoming more and more ridiculous and ....STUPID!

LovingCoachWhit | 1:10 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Even if you can make $1 mil at Utah, it is hard to turn down another $2-3 mil to coach elsewhere. You can't blame him if he leaves. However, the contract Utah will offer should at least make him secure for life and Utah has intangibles that he won't find anywhere else. Yes, when he has down years (you can't go undefeated forever), pinheads will call for his head again, as they have done for every great coach everywhere. But most Ute fans recognize that he is the real deal and he can--and hopefully will--make millions for many years to come here in SLC. Here's hoping he coaches here until he retires.

S Stephens | 1:11 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

As a Washington Alum, I'm not familiar with this guy. Why would he leave Utah? Is his ego driving him to coach at a big school? Or is he in it for the money (potentially rumored in the $2 to $2.5 million range)?

RE:3 plays away .. | 1:55 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Yeah and BYU is 5 plays away from being 0-11 against the Utes for the last 11 years.

Re: Gretzky | 3:45 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Funny how tdS fans always accuse Ute fans of using injuries and poor officiating as excuses for losses. Something cougar fans NEVER do, do they?

Re: WACk better than MWC | 3:59 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

A few simple facts:

3 ranked vs. 1 ranked
2x BCS (not to mention ORIGINAL BCS busters)
5-1 vs. PAC-10 (soon to be 6-1 if the zoobs can pull it off)

lastly: Utah State and Idaho.

Re: SML-PDX | 4:08 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

I saw Max Hall this morning, he was eating a redcherry TURNOVER.

Whitt's gone | 4:08 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Only a fool would stay with a program like Utah with the big time offers Whitt will be looking at in January!

recruiter | 4:34 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

No 1. player in the nation on the JUCO list is coming to UTAH. Not BYU. So no, the best players in the state did not all go to BYU. The BEST went to UTAH>

Boize State | 5:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2008

Those fans of Boize (i know its spelled wrong) State are nearly as annoying as the Zoobs! They have a good program, but the WAC conference is awful. No depth after Boize. Utah and TCU would dismantle Boize, and BYU would probably beat them as well. Here to hoping that Boize gets matched up against TCU in the Poinsetta bowl, they will get rocked!

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