Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham are two of the most accomplished coaches in modern college football, but their competitiveness doesn’t stop on the gridiron. In fact, Meyer recently admitted that he upset the longtime Utah head coach after a surprising off-field victory that sparked a friendly rivalry.
A Competitive Twist: Tennis Brings Balance
During an interview, Meyer shared that the two coaches once raced each other in a one-mile run. Whittingham, who is known for his discipline and fitness, led the majority of the race and appeared to be in control. However, Meyer managed a late push in the final 100 meters and overtook him at the finish line.
“I’ll die 1-0 against you because I’ll never run again,” Meyer jokingly told Whittingham, admitting he has no intention of giving him a rematch.
“I’ll die 1-0 against you because I’ll never run again” @CoachUrbanMeyer
I think we need @UtahCoachWhitt‘s side of the story pic.twitter.com/bQ5npdzUcZ
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 19, 2025
While Meyer holds bragging rights in the mile race, he admitted that Whittingham quickly got his revenge in another sport. The Utah head coach dominated him on the tennis court, evening their friendly competition at 1-1.
Whittingham has continued running since their initial race and has been eager for another chance, but Meyer has remained firm in his stance; he’s walking away with the win. The playful rivalry highlights the competitive fire that has defined both men’s legendary coaching careers.
Urban Meyer’s Legendary Career
Meyer retired from coaching as one of the most successful figures in college football history. Across stints at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State, Meyer won three national championships and posted a career winning percentage of 85.4%.
His career began with a turnaround at Bowling Green, where he went 17-6 in two seasons and made history by leading the Falcons to a 3-0 record against BCS opponents in 2001. He later made his mark at Utah by guiding the program to national prominence before capturing two titles at Florida and another at Ohio State.
Meyer’s legacy was cemented with his 2025 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the second Utah coach, third Bowling Green coach, fifth Florida coach, and eighth Ohio State coach to receive the honor.
Kyle Whittingham’s Utah Dynasty
Whittingham, meanwhile, continues to add to his remarkable legacy at Utah. Entering his 21st season as head coach in 2025 and 32nd overall year with the program, Whittingham is the Utes’ all-time wins leader.
Urban Meyer talked with members of the media ahead of tomorrow’s @BNKonFOX from #saltlakecity.
In these clips, he was asked about Kyle Whittingham’s future and his love for Salt Lake. @BartleKSLsports pic.twitter.com/m5TSYYdG7O
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 19, 2025
With a career record of 170-86 and an 11-6 mark in bowl games, he ranks among the most accomplished active coaches in the nation. Now leading Utah into its second season in the Big 12 Conference, Whittingham sits second among active Big 12 head coaches in career victories and fifth overall among FBS head coaches.
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While both coaches are remembered for building powerhouse programs and producing countless NFL players, their off-field rivalry shows a more lighthearted side. Whether it’s a mile run or a tennis match, Meyer and Whittingham remain fiercely competitive, just as they were on the sidelines.
And as Meyer said with a smile, his running career is officially over: “I’ll die 1-0 against you because I’ll never run again.”
