Big 12 Coach Explains Why He Donated $2 Million to His Own Football Program

The Utah football coach and his wife, Liz, donated to the program, explaining their decision to give back to the university.

The coach said the university had given a great deal to his family, which has longstanding ties to the institution. His father played football for Utah, he played safety for the Utes, and his wife also attended the university.

Family ties drive donation to support Utah Football's future

Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley has made it clear he wants to stay at the university . He and his wife, Liz, committed $2 million to the football program, a donation announced on March 12, 2026. During his October 23 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Scalley explained that the decision reflected his family's longstanding ties to the university and their desire to give back.

Morgan Scalley said the decision stemmed from his connection to the university. He grew up in Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood, played safety for the Utes, and remains closely connected to the university

Explaining the family's reasons for making the donation, Scalley said : "Utah's done a ton for me and my family. My wife went here. My entire family went to the University of Utah. There's a lot the Utah family has given us. This is not a Morgan Scalley thing. I said that early on. It's about Utah football. It's about the University of Utah. When I'm gone, again, it'll still be Utah. We wanted to give back and help this community understand that we're in this together. I'm not going anywhere unless they kick me out of here."

Scalley said the contribution was intended to support Utah football and the wider university community rather than focus on him personally. He said the gift reflected the family's connection to the university

The donation comes during a period of significant change in college athletics, including NIL opportunities and revenue-sharing arrangements. These developments have reshaped the college football landscape. The $2 million gift is intended to support the Utah football program's long-term success, although the university has not specified how the money will be allocated.

Scalley has spent much of his coaching career with the program. He joined Utah as an administrative assistant in 2006, became a graduate assistant in 2007 and took over as safeties coach in 2008. From 2009 through 2015, he served as recruiting coordinator. He also assumed special teams responsibilities in 2015.

In 2016, Scalley became defensive coordinator and remained in the position through the 2025 season. The university appointed him head coach in December 2025, succeeding Kyle Whittingham.

During his first full season as head coach in 2026, Utah had a 6-0 record at the time of Scalley's October 23 appearance. The Utes had defeated Colorado 27-24 and were preparing for their next game against Houston Cougars .

The gift adds to Utah football's resources as the program continues under Scalley's leadership.