In a college football landscape often marked by high turnover and fleeting stability, Brigham Young University (BYU) has found its anchor in head coach Kalani Sitake. Now entering his 10th season leading the Cougars, Sitake has established a culture defined by continuity, character, and competitiveness. His return for the 2025 season marks a decade of steady stewardship—an increasingly rare achievement in modern collegiate athletics.
Appointed in 2016 as BYU’s first Tongan head coach and a former BYU fullback himself, Sitake brought with him not just familiarity with the university’s values but a deep commitment to nurturing both athletes and men of principle. Over the past nine seasons, he has compiled an impressive resume: several bowl game appearances, a 10-win 2024 campaign, and a seamless transition into the Big 12 Conference.
But Sitake’s enduring influence stems not only from wins and recruiting success—it’s in his loyalty to the coaching staff that surrounds him. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, now entering his fifth season in the role, has been instrumental in developing dynamic quarterbacks and modernizing BYU’s offense. Under his guidance, the Cougars have balanced an explosive passing attack with a sturdy ground game, producing NFL-ready talent along the way.
On the defensive side, Jay Hill, in his third year as defensive coordinator, continues to mold a hard-hitting, disciplined unit that has shown growth every season. A former head coach at Weber State, Hill brought with him a strategic mindset and a relentless energy that BYU fans quickly embraced. Together, this trio—Sitake, Roderick, and Hill—has formed one of the most cohesive and experienced leadership groups in the Big 12.
The significance of this stability cannot be overstated. In an era where staff changes can derail recruiting pipelines and player development, BYU’s coaching constancy has become a powerful recruiting tool. Prospective players and their families know what to expect: a supportive environment grounded in integrity, consistency in scheme and philosophy, and a head coach whose passion for the game is matched only by his commitment to his players’ futures.
Internally, the Cougars’ locker room reflects that sense of unity. Veterans speak of Sitake not just as a coach, but as a mentor and motivator. The staff’s long tenure has allowed for the cultivation of leadership within the roster—upperclassmen carry the culture forward, while underclassmen arrive to a program with clearly defined expectations.
As the 2025 season approaches, BYU fans and analysts alike see Sitake’s 10th year not as a victory lap, but as a launching pad. The team has added talent through the transfer portal, refined its schemes during spring practices, and embraced the challenge of contending for a Big 12 title. And at the center of it all stands Kalani Sitake—calm, confident, and ready to lead once more.
