Who will be Scalley’s DC? And what is Jay Hill’s future?

I saw a report that mentioned Jay turned down a HC job this offseason, but it didn’t mention which one, though I assume it was Utah State. My guess is that if he is going to be a HC, he wants it to either be at Utah or BYU but he would leave the state for the right P4 HC job. In the mean time, I think he is content to be a DC for BYU but would switch to Utah as long as the money is comparable.

When Morgan takes over as HC, if Jay doesn’t come over to be our DC it will be because BYU backed up the Brinks truck to keep him, Morgan didn’t want him, or Jay is betting that Scalley won’t be successful and by staying away he will have an opportunity to replace Morgan in a few years.

I really like Jay Hill. But, I do not see him coming to Utah at this point. I do think he will leave BYU at some point for a HC position.

As for our new DC – We have some good candidates in-house that Scalley knows well. I think he stays in-house when he picks his DC.

I’ll be surprised if it is not Shah. They have been friends for a long time, they have both been in the same system for a long time, and Shah has demonstrated a lot of loyalty to the program.

Anyone who has been around Shah knows just how bright and charismatic he is. His path of inner city California to Utah All American to Utah Law School to successful Utah coach is unique.

Throw in his track record of developing players and recruiting ability- he is literally the perfect candidate. I’d take Shah over Hill (or about anyone else for that matter) any day.

I like internal/family culture, but it’s nice to get coordinators with experience at this level. Someone with the same style for the personnel we have, recruiting chops, etc. If it’s a perfect fit, sure, hire from within, but sometimes fresh ideas are welcome.

I would make Jay Hill a priority for DC. I think he comes back home for equal or more money. BYU will not be outbid!! He is worshipped in Provo. Their donors won’t let that happen. He would have taken the Utah State job if it wasn’t for transfer portal and NIL. Tough to win at USU without a large NIL budget. He will get some lucrative offers next year from G5 to P4. If the Utes bounce back this year and are successful it makes it much easier to promote within. Swan and Shah are excellent candidates and are loyal to the program.

Take this with a grain of salt because who knows, but I was Nephi Sewells wedding two weeks ago and the table I was assigned to sit at had an associate athletic Director for the zoobs. I asked him if they were concerned of losing Jay Hill when Kyle retired and he told me it’s not a big concern for them at this point because the entire defense has been run by Sitake, especially post heart attack. Again, maybe it was just this guy talking, but he definitely did not make it seem like they were gonna back up the brinks truck for him.

Jay, has turned zoob on us, we need to pass on him and get a young up and coming DC. plenty good ones out there.

Jay Hill has zero Head Coaching aspirations. He doesn’t want the pressure. He’s very happy at BYU but there is a good chance he’d come back as Utah’s DC if offered.

Will Scalley offer or just go in house?

I’ve heard Shaw doesn’t want the job. He’s very happy with his current position at Utah and I’m not sure his analytical mind is right for the job.

Swan would be a very good DC. He has the perfect mentality for the job and we need to remember DC at Utah is just a place setting. You are not coming in to make a bunch of changes.

Luther Ellis might get a look. Wealth of experience and knowledge as a player but maybe lacks the coaching experience but remember he just has to manage the Utah D.

It really comes down to gameplan and calls during the game and that’s where Hill would be a home run hire.

Whomever Scalley hires he will continue the tradition Whit started and bring on someone from the family.