Colton Swan Named Utah Linebacker Coach
Jan 7, 2019, 10:57 AM
(University of Utah)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham has hired Colton Swan as the new linebacker’s coach. Swan spent the last 15 years at Weber State as an assistant coach.
Swan served as the special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Weber State for the past two seasons. He previously coached the safeties for three seasons, linebackers for five years, and tight ends from 2014-16. Swan was the co-defensive coordinator from 2009-11.
“Colton has done an outstanding job for many years at Weber State,” said Whittingham. “He has a track record of success coaching several positions, most notably linebacker, as well as being an accomplished special teams coach. His demeanor and coaching style are a good fit for our program and we are excited to have him join our staff.”
Weber State won back-to-back Big Sky championships for the first time in school history in 2017-18 and made the FCS Playoffs in each of the last three seasons. In 2017, the Wildcats won a school record 11 games, including two playoff games and finished with a No. 5 national ranking.
The Wildcats have had one of the best defensive teams in the country over the past two seasons, ranking in the top 10 in interceptions, turnovers gained and red zone defense.
“I am thankful for the opportunity Coach Whittingham has given me and I am excited to be part of such a great program and great coaching staff,” said Swan. “I can’t wait to get to work. While Weber State has been home to me for 20 years and I can’t say enough good things about the city, school, players and Coach Jay Hill, the opportunity to coach at Utah was one I just couldn’t pass up.”
Swan has coached eight All-Americans including two-time selections LeGrand Toia and Rashid Shaheed.
He had a successful playing career at Weber State and was named second team All-Big Sky as a linebacker in 2003.
Help us to welcome LB Coach Colton Swan to the #UtahFootballFamily!
Read: https://t.co/p82UEdspxW pic.twitter.com/ulyKeb1PSG
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) January 7, 2019
Swan replaces Justin Ena, who left to be the defensive coordinator for Gary Andersen at Utah State.