Kyle Whittingham Salary, Net Worth : The Man Behind Utah’s contract

Kyle Whittingham is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college football. He has been the head coach of the Utah Utes since 2005, leading them to 14 bowl appearances, two Pac-12 South titles, and a No. 2 ranking in the final AP poll of the 2008 season. He has also won several awards, including the AFCA Coach of the Year and the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award in 2008.

But who is Kyle Whittingham, and what makes him so successful? In this article, we will explore his salary, net worth, contract, education, partner, parents, family, and age. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about him.

Salary and Contract

Whittingham is one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, earning $6 million in 2023. His salary consists of a $4.5 million base salary from the University of Utah, plus $1.5 million from LEARFIELD and Under Armour as part of the university’s media partnership and outfit agreement.

Whittingham signed a five-year contract extension with Utah in 2019, which runs through 2023. The contract includes annual raises of $200,000 for his base salary and $50,000 for his media and apparel income. The contract also has various incentives for reaching certain performance goals, such as winning the Pac-12 championship or appearing in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Whittingham’s contract also has a buyout clause that protects him from being fired without cause. If Utah decides to terminate Whittingham before his contract expires, they would have to pay him 65% of his remaining salary. For example, if Utah fires Whittingham after the 2023 season, they would owe him $15.6 million (65% of $24 million).

Net Worth

Whittingham’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2022. His net worth is mainly derived from his coaching career, which spans over three decades. He has also invested some of his earnings in real estate, owning a luxurious home in Salt Lake City that is worth $2.5 million.

Education

Whittingham graduated from Provo High School in 1978, where he was a standout football player and wrestler. He then attended Brigham Young University (BYU), where he played linebacker for the Cougars from 1978 to 1981. He was a team captain and an All-WAC selection in his senior year. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from BYU in 1981.

Whittingham continued his education at BYU as a graduate assistant coach from 1985 to 1986. He then earned a master’s degree in professional leadership from BYU in 1987.

Partner

Whittingham married his wife Jamie Daniels in 1983. They met at BYU, where Jamie was a cheerleader. They have been married for over 38 years and have four children and six grandchildren.

Jamie Whittingham is an active supporter of her husband and his team. She attends every game and often travels with him on recruiting trips. She is also involved in various charitable causes, such as the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Parents and Family

Whittingham comes from a football family. His father, Fred Whittingham, was a former NFL player and coach who worked with legendary coaches like Vince Lombardi and George Allen. Fred Whittingham coached Kyle at BYU and later hired him as an assistant coach at Utah in 1994.

Kyle Whittingham has three brothers who also played or coached football: Cary Whittingham, who played linebacker at BYU and coached at Utah; Fred Whittingham Jr., who played fullback at BYU and coached at Oregon State; and Marty Whittingham, who played running back at Utah State.

Kyle Whittingham’s son Tyler Whittingham followed his father’s footsteps and played linebacker at Utah from 2012 to 2016. Tyler Whittingham is now an assistant coach at Weber State University. Kyle Whittingham’s other son Alex Whittingham also played football at Utah as a long snapper from 2014 to 2017.

Kyle Whittingham’s daughters are Melissa Whittingham and Kylie Whittingham. Melissa Whittingham is married to former Utah quarterback Travis Wilson, who played for Kyle Whittingham from 2012 to 2015. Kylie Whittingham is married to former Utah linebacker Jason Fanaika, who played for Kyle Whittingham from 2014 to 2015.

Age

Kyle Whittingham was born on November 21, 1959, in San Luis Obispo, California. He is currently 64 years old as of 2023.

Conclusion

Kyle Whittingham is more than just a coach. He is a leader, a mentor, a father, and a husband. He has built a legacy of excellence and integrity at Utah, where he has transformed the Utes into a perennial contender in the Pac-12 and the nation. He is also one of the most well-paid and well-respected coaches in college football, with a salary, contract, and net worth that reflect his achievements and value.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

1. How long has Kyle Whittingham been coaching at Utah?

• Kyle Whittingham has been coaching at Utah since 1994, when he joined the staff as the defensive line coach. He became the defensive coordinator in 1995 and the head coach in 2005.

2. How many bowl games has Kyle Whittingham won at Utah?

• Kyle Whittingham has won 14 bowl games at Utah, with a record of 14-3. He has the highest bowl winning percentage (.824) among active FBS coaches with at least 10 bowl appearances.

3. What is Kyle Whittingham’s coaching philosophy?

• Kyle Whittingham’s coaching philosophy is based on hard work, discipline, toughness, and teamwork. He emphasizes defense, special teams, and running the ball as the keys to winning games. He also values character, academics, and community service among his players and staff.

4. Who are some of the notable players that Kyle Whittingham has coached at Utah?

• Some of the notable players that Kyle Whittingham has coached at Utah include Alex Smith, Eric Weddle, Steve Smith, Koa Misi, Star Lotulelei, Devontae Booker, Marcus Williams, Zack Moss, Tyler Huntley, and Jordan Love.

5. What are some of the awards that Kyle Whittingham has won as a coach?

• Some of the awards that Kyle Whittingham has won as a coach include the AFCA Coach of the Year (2008), the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award (2008), the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (2019), and the Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2019).

6. What are some of the challenges that Kyle Whittingham has faced as a coach?

• Some of the challenges that Kyle Whittingham has faced as a coach include transitioning from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12 Conference in 2011, dealing with injuries and COVID-19 issues in 2020, and losing his close friend and co-defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley to cancer in 2021.

7. How does Kyle Whittingham balance his coaching career and his personal life?

• Kyle Whittingham balances his coaching career and his personal life by spending quality time with his wife Jamie and their children and grandchildren. He also enjoys hobbies such as golfing, fishing, hunting, and reading.

8. What are some of the goals that Kyle Whittingham has for the future?

• Some of the goals that Kyle Whittingham has for the future include winning the Pac-12 championship, competing for a national championship, developing more NFL prospects, and maintaining a high standard of excellence at Utah.

9. How does Kyle Whittingham recruit players to Utah?

• Kyle Whittingham recruits players to Utah by highlighting the program’s tradition, culture, facilities, academics, fan support, and exposure. He also focuses on finding players who fit his system, who have high character and work ethic, and who have a passion for football.

10. What are some of the things that Kyle Whittingham is most proud of as a coach?

• Some of the things that Kyle Whittingham is most proud of as a coach include graduating his players with degrees, helping them achieve their dreams of playing in the NFL or other professional leagues, creating lifelong relationships with them and their families, and making a positive impact on their lives.