UTAH UTES
Whittingham Earns Bonus For Preseason AP Poll Appearance
Aug 17, 2022, 11:52 AM
(Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl Game)
(Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl Game)
SALT LAKE CITY- First reported by John Canzano, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has collected a $15,000 bonus this week after the Utes came in at #7 in AP Poll’s Preseason Top 25.
Whittingham stands to collect more money if his team hits a few other notable marks. Another $10,000 will be in Whittingham’s pocket if the Utes are ranked in the College Football Playoff rankings at any point this season. He could also walk away with an additional $150,000 if Utah finishes ranked in the top 25 for either the College Football Playoff or AP Poll.
Whittingham Bonuses In Reworked Contract
Earlier in the summer, Whittingham received an upgraded contract that primarily featured a pay-raise for the coach ahead of his 18th season at the helm. No further time extension was added, though his current contract does run through the 2027 football season.
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Whittingham’s reworked contract comes on the heels of one of his most impressive feats yet- getting the Utes their first Pac-12 Title and Rose Bowl appearance while trying to cope with the grief of two unexpected deaths on the team nine-months apart. Whittingham has also been a key factor in Utah’s 1994 season, 2004 season and 2008 season.
The 22-page contract, according to Athletic Director Mark Harlan was a reflection of Whittingham’s drive to bring the program to the highest levels of success during his overall 28-year career at Utah.
“Kyle Whittingham has elevated our football program to the highest levels of success, while also establishing a culture of excellence that prioritizes the academic achievement and overall development of our student-athletes,” Harlan said. “It is important that we continue to invest in our football program, and equip Coach Whittingham and his coaching staff with sufficient resources to be able to sustain success that ultimately benefits all of our athletics programs and our entire department. This is a commitment that recognizes what Coach Whittingham and his program have achieved, and reinforces our intention to build upon that success in the years to come.”
