Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham once postponed retirement after a disappointing end to the 2024 season. Now, following a third consecutive loss to BYU, fans are once again wondering whether frustration might influence his future.
The 21-year head coach, who has led Utah since 2004, admitted after last year’s campaign that he “couldn’t step away on that note.” With the Utes now 0–3 against their biggest rival in recent meetings — a first in Whittingham’s tenure — speculation is growing about whether history could repeat itself.
When asked after Saturday’s defeat in Provo if the rivalry losing streak might play into his retirement plans, Whittingham didn’t hesitate. “No,” he said firmly. “We won nine in a row before that, so we’re still on the very plus side of that ledger.”
Whittingham’s record against BYU now stands at 11–6, but the loss stings deeply for Utah fans who have long taken pride in their dominance of the in-state matchup. Saturday’s result also puts a dent in Utah’s hopes of reaching the Big 12 title game, as the team faces a challenging final stretch with only five games remaining.
Despite the mounting pressure, Whittingham remains focused on perspective. “It’s part of the deal,” he said. “You go from elation to devastation in a seven-day period of time. But that’s what you sign up for — that’s the nature of this business.”
The veteran coach, known for his disciplined approach and loyalty to the program, has led Utah through its transition from the Mountain West to the Big 12 Conference, establishing the Utes as one of the most consistent teams in college football. But as the program endures its first real stretch of rivalry losses under his leadership, questions about the end of an era are impossible to ignore.
Whittingham’s competitive nature and pride in the Utah program suggest he isn’t ready to step away just yet. Still, with the team facing adversity on and off the field, how the Utes finish the 2025 season could weigh heavily on his next move.
For now, Whittingham insists his focus is on improvement — not retirement. “We’ve been here before,” he said. “You just keep working, keep pushing, and stay the course.”
