Athlon Ranks Kyle Whittingham highly among Pac-12 Coaches

Kyle Whittingham has done one heck of a job navigating the Utes into the top half, or even higher, of the Pac-12. That job that he’s done has caught attention around the country, and one site has him ranked as the 3rd best coach in the Pac-12, as of now.

You’ll need to check out the full list here, but after looking over how Athlon broken down their list, it makes a lot of sense. My biggest take away from their list is that they should have Rich Rod ranked lowered, and Jim Mora and Clay Helton higher. Rich Rod has had eyes on other jobs for a while, and that program was not in good shape last year. Yes, his offenses will be potent, but can he do anything else on the other side of the ball?

What’s keeping Whitt from the No. 1 or No. 2 spot? Likely an appearance in the Pac-12 title game, and a Pac-12 title itself. He’s built up the program to be a contender, and has been ranked in every College Football Playoff poll to date, the only Pac-12 school to be able to say that.

Here’s what Athlon had to say about about Coach Whitt, and let us know what you think.

Whittingham’s tenure in Salt Lake City continues to bring consistency and success at a high level. Utah has won 28 games since 2014 and recorded a winning mark in Pac-12 play in each of the last three seasons. Additionally, for the first time in program history, the Utes have earned three consecutive top 25 finishes in the Associated Press poll. Whittingham was instrumental in the program’s transition to the Pac-12 in 2011, with his steady approach helping to quickly assimilate in the conference. Under Whittingham’s direction, Utah is 104-50 and has only two losing records since 2005. Additionally, the Utes are 9-1 in bowl games under Whittingham’s direction in that span.