Utah names Morgan Scalley as new defensive coordinator

Utah announced on Monday that Morgan Scalley has been hired as the team's new defensive coordinator and will replace the retiring John Pease.

Scalley, who graduated from Utah in 2004, had been the team's special teams coordinator and safeties coach. Scalley was Utah's recruiting coordinator and safeties coach from 2009-14 and was named the special teams coordinator for the 2015 season. 

Scalley was the Mountain West Conference co-defensive player of the year as a senior for the Utes in 2004. He was the captain of the 2004 team that went 12-0 under head coach Urban Meyer and won the Fiesta Bowl. 

“Morgan has played an ever increasing role in our overall defensive scheming the past few seasons and is ready to take the reigns as the defensive coordinator,” said head coach Kyle Whittingham in a statement on Monday. “He is bright, innovative and hard working.” 

Pease, 72, has been coaching football in college and the NFL since 1968 and is a graduate of the University of Utah. 

“We appreciate the passion, energy and coaching expertise that John Pease brought to our program on a daily basis,” said Whittingham. “While we completely understand his decision to retire, players and coaches alike are sorry to see him leave. Through the years, John has had a major impact on Utah football as a player, coach and longtime friend and advisor."