BREAKING NEWS: Bronco Mendenhall Sends Bold Message to Kalani Sitake as He Takes Over at Utah State
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall delivered a passionate and public message to Kalani Sitake, who was officially announced today as the new head coach of the Utah State Aggies. The message, which came via a personal video shared on social media and aired during Utah State’s introductory press conference, is being hailed as both a symbolic passing of the torch and a challenge wrapped in mentorship.
“Kalani, you’re built for this,” Mendenhall began. “You’re walking into a proud program that’s hungry, that’s gritty, and that reflects everything you’ve stood for throughout your coaching career. Utah State is getting not just a coach — they’re getting a builder of culture, a teacher of character, and a leader who knows how to win with heart.”
The message was delivered with clear emotion and purpose. Mendenhall, now semi-retired and working as a leadership consultant in Virginia, is no stranger to the state of Utah or its football landscape. His 11-year tenure at BYU (2005–2015) laid the foundation for much of Sitake’s early rise. In fact, Sitake was part of Mendenhall’s first defensive staff in Provo, learning the intricacies of defensive schematics and culture-building that would later define his own approach.
“Don’t just coach football, Kalani,” Mendenhall continued. “Coach lives. Coach dreams. And coach Utah State with the belief that the best Aggie days are ahead — not behind.”
Sitake’s move to Logan after nearly a decade at BYU came as a surprise to many. After parting ways with BYU following a challenging 2024 season, Sitake was seen as a top candidate for Power Five assistant roles or television work. Instead, he chose to remain in Utah, aiming to revive a Utah State program that has struggled to find its identity in the post-Gary Andersen era.
In his first official remarks as head coach, Sitake acknowledged Mendenhall’s message with gratitude.
“Bronco has always been more than a mentor to me,” Sitake said. “He taught me how to lead with integrity and stay grounded in purpose. His message today isn’t just for me — it’s for every young man who’ll wear this Aggie jersey. We’re coming with fire, with pride, and with belief in who we are.”
Mendenhall’s endorsement wasn’t just symbolic. Sources close to the situation report that he has offered to serve as an informal advisor to Sitake during his transition — particularly in areas of player development and leadership infrastructure.
College football analysts are already buzzing about what this new chapter could mean for Utah State. With Sitake’s proven track record of recruiting, culture building, and competing at a high level, and Mendenhall offering quiet but firm support in the background, the Aggies may have just lit the fuse on something powerful.
And in the words of Bronco Mendenhall, “You don’t need to be loud to be legendary. Just be relentless.”
Utah State football may have just found its next era of relevance — and the rest of the Mountain West is officially on notice.
