Whittingham amassed a jaw-dropping 63-14 record in six seasons at the helm for the Thunderbirds. After being promoted from assistant coach ahead of the 2012 season to replace Louis Wong, Whittingham led Timpview to three consecutive state titles from 2012 to 2014. The Thunderbirds went on a 27-game winning streak that stretched from the 2013 season to 2015 under Whittingham. It was the fifth-longest streak in state history.
After this season, which ended in a 28-24 first-round playoff loss to Woods Cross, Whittingham told Montero he was considering leaving his post, according to Montero. They had the conversation during the annual end-of-season exit interview, and Whittingham asked for time to mull over the decision.