Morgan Scalley doesn’t shy away from his faith.
In fact, Scalley’s faith was a prominent part of his introduction as the new head football coach of the University of Utah on Tuesday.
Ahead of his introductory press conference, Scalley sat down with fellow Ute Holly Rowe for an interview. In the 20-minute conversation shared by Utah Football on YouTube Monday, Scalley didn’t hesitate to bring up his faith in God.
He expressed his gratitude for previous University of Utah coaches who saw something in him as both a player and coach and for the opportunities that they gave him that made this moment possible.
“I really do believe in God and God’s timing. I’m just grateful for his guidance and his love and direction,” Scalley said.
He shared with Rowe that he tells his players, “The greatest title you will ever hold is not All-American or NFL draft pick. The greatest title you will hold is father.”
Scalley himself lives by that same sentiment, he said.
“In order for me to be the best I can be, I have to be a great dad. I have to be a great husband, and I have to be a great disciple of Christ. And in turn, I will be a great coach,” he said.
Scalley later reiterated that statement in his introductory press conference Tuesday.
What Morgan Scalley said about faith at his introductory press conference
Scalley was named Utah’s new head coach on Dec. 13, a day after it was announced that Kyle Whittingham was stepping down. Following Whittingham’s hiring as Michigan’s head coach, Scalley took the reins and led Utah to a 44-22 victory over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31.
On Tuesday, Scalley’s faith in Jesus Christ was one of the first things he shared.
“I’m grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ — not ashamed to say that — whose sacrifice for me has led me in this direction. Didn’t know that I really wanted to get into coaching, and so I’ve led my life based on a belief that he will lead me, he will guide me. And based on the spirit, it has brought me to this place where I can give and serve and love. So grateful for this opportunity,” said Scalley, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Later in the press conference, Scalley thanked Whittingham and the coaches who helped him “understand the beauty of this game” before quickly transitioning to talking about his faith again and the role it plays in the man he tries to be.
“I don’t believe at the end of my life that God is going to ask me, ‘Morgan, why didn’t you score more touchdowns? Why didn’t you win more games?’ He will ask me, ‘How did you serve? How did you give? Did you love? Did you honor your wife and your family? Did you take care of them?’” he said.