SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah Utes have officially named Kevin McGiven as their new offensive coordinator, the university announced Friday. McGiven, a seasoned coach with extensive experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, is tasked with injecting new life into an offense that has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons.
The move comes as head coach Kyle Whittingham looks to bolster the Utes' attack and maintain their competitive edge within the Pac-12 Conference. McGiven's hiring signals a strategic shift, with the program hoping his expertise will translate into improved scoring and overall offensive efficiency.
"We are excited to welcome Kevin McGiven to our coaching staff," Whittingham said in a statement released by the university. "Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success. His experience developing quarterbacks and crafting innovative offensive schemes will be a valuable asset to our program."
McGiven arrives in Salt Lake City after most recently serving as an offensive analyst at USC. Prior to his stint with the Trojans, McGiven held offensive coordinator positions at several universities, including San Jose State, Utah State, and Oregon State. He also served as the quarterbacks coach for the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).
During his tenure at Utah State from 2009 to 2012, McGiven orchestrated a high-powered offense that consistently ranked among the nation's best. In 2012, the Aggies boasted the 16th-ranked scoring offense in the country, averaging over 36 points per game. He played a pivotal role in the development of quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who became one of the most prolific passers in Utah State history.
At Oregon State, McGiven served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2015 to 2017. While there, he worked with quarterback Jake Luton, helping him improve his passing efficiency and overall decision-making.
McGiven’s coaching career began at Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington, where he served as the offensive coordinator. He then moved into the college ranks, holding positions at Weber State and Southern Utah before landing at Utah State.
The Utes' offense has been a point of concern for fans and analysts alike. While the team has consistently boasted a strong defense, the offensive production has often lagged, hindering their ability to compete with the Pac-12's elite. Last season, the Utes ranked in the bottom half of the conference in scoring offense and total offense.
One of McGiven’s primary responsibilities will be to develop and mentor the Utes' quarterbacks. Current starting quarterback Cam Rising, while showing flashes of brilliance, has also battled injuries and inconsistencies. McGiven’s track record of quarterback development is expected to provide Rising with the tools and guidance needed to elevate his game. The incoming recruits and current backups will also benefit from McGiven's tutelage, building depth and competition at the quarterback position.
Beyond quarterback development, McGiven is expected to implement a more dynamic and balanced offensive approach. This will likely involve a greater emphasis on the running game, as well as incorporating more creative play-calling and utilizing the team’s offensive personnel more effectively. The Utes have a stable of talented running backs, and McGiven's ability to design and execute effective running schemes will be crucial to the team's success.
The hiring of McGiven has been met with cautious optimism from Utah fans. While his resume suggests a proven ability to improve offensive performance, the ultimate success of his tenure will depend on his ability to adapt his strategies to the Utes' current roster and the ever-evolving landscape of college football. The upcoming spring practices and fall camp will provide a first glimpse into the changes McGiven intends to implement.
McGiven's contract details, including salary and duration, have not yet been publicly released by the university. However, it is expected that the contract will be commensurate with his experience and the importance of the offensive coordinator position within the program.
The Utah Utes will kick off the 2024 season at home, with fans eager to see how McGiven's influence has transformed the offense. The pressure is on for McGiven to deliver, as the Utes look to compete for a Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
