Whittingham's football triumphs suggest it's his top priority, yet closer inspection reveals family and values hold far greater weight.
What is the greatest thing you’ve learned from coaching alongside your father, Fred Whittingham?
Wow, I learned so much from him. I would say having integrity; place a premium on that. He also instilled a strong work ethic, and to exhibit those traits in all aspects of life.
What does being a man mean to you—what traits are most important?
Being a man means being a man of your word—backing it up with action. It also means being a good father. If you’re blessed with children, nurture them and be a good husband as well. Be supportive of your wife. It’s a 50/50 partnership; don’t try to run the whole show. Show up and don’t cower in difficult situations—in your family life or elsewhere.
What would you say makes a great leader?
Consistency with your dealings day after day as your best self. You can't be too high and you can’t be too low. You also want to make sure you build a good culture one brick at a time, which includes treating everyone fairly with no politics or hidden agendas.
You’ve coached at Utah a long time, what does community mean to you?
I love this community. I’ve been in this state for 50 years, of that time 30 plus years in the Salt Lake area. The stability that the University of Utah provided for me and my family is a huge plus for us. My kids grew up with the same school system at the same school district their entire lives. Most coaches with that many years have made over 10 moves already. Just grateful.
What's your favorite thing to do with your family?
Being together, just spending time together. There’s 20 of us now, including 10 grandkids—eight years to two weeks old. Nothing is better than family.
You’re an avid athlete, please tell us more…
I enjoy exercising and really don't think I could have coached this long without having a good exercise regimen. I do it for the mental aspect of it as much the physical—I believe it’s kept me going through all these years.
As far as hobbies, skiing is the top of the list. Every chance I get, it quenches my soul.
I did get into golf later in life, at 50, and enjoy being on the course although I wouldn’t say I’m any good. I play doubles tennis, and I’m crazy about motorcycles—my wife and I love to ride up to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole.
What do you love most about coaching?
My greatest joy is seeing the players grow and develop. When you have a 17-year old kid fresh out of high school who needs work ethic but has athletic ability instilled in him—and he comes to your program and leaves with a meaningful degree ready to be a contributor to society and prepared to be a good father—it’s very rewarding to see and be a part of that process.
Anything else, Coach?
Wherever you are, whatever your job, focus solely on that. Don't look into the other side of the fence. Everything else will take care of itself.
If you’re blessed with children, nurture them and be a good husband.