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The Utah Utes named defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who was previously suspended for using the N-world, their head coach in waiting on Monday.
Scalley, 44, has coached with the program since 2007 after playing for the Utes from 2001-2004. He’s now set to take over as head coach after the retirement of current coach Kyle Whittingham, although Whittingham did not put a date on his eventual retirement.
Utah suspended Scalley in 2020 after it discovered that he used a N-word in a text message to a player in 2013.
“In 2013 I made a terrible mistake,” Scalley said in a statement released by the school. “I used a racial slur in a text message. This language is offensive and hurtful to not only the African-American community, but to all. Immediately after sending it, I apologized to the recipient and his family. I am also heartbroken over the potential breach of trust with my fellow coaches, and with the young men in our program, both past and present.”
But that’s not all.
Utah Head Coach In Waiting Allegedly Used N-Word Multiple Times Toward Players
Former Utah cornerback Ryan Lacy said that Scalley also directed a racial slur at him.
I, too, was called a racial slur (N-word) by this man in 2008, confronted him my senior year 2013. Held onto it 5 years and Got a half ass apology, more on terms of an excuse. He is a great coach, but needs to be a better Man. Truth hurts. God bless
— Ryan Lacy (@SpotlightLacy) June 6, 2020
“The use of any form of racist language is not only antithetical to our policies and our values, but it is an affront to all of us, especially our African-American community members,” Utah athletic director Harlan said at the time. “While the review of this matter is being conducted, I have placed Morgan on suspension effectively immediately.”
Whittingham also issued a statement.
“I take very seriously the hurt, pain and anger felt by African-Americans, and the power of words to inflict or deepen that pain,” he said. “Although this incident is inconsistent with the character and conduct of the person I have known and worked closely with for more than two decades, Morgan’s use of racist language is a very serious matter and I am supportive of the suspension while a more thorough outside review is conducted.”
Utah offered Scalley the head coach in waiting title prior to the incident. But it rescinded the offer when it issued his suspension.