BREAKING: Former BYU Coach Bronco Mendenhall Sends Message to Kalani Sitake Ahead of Football Season
In a development that has sparked attention across the college football landscape, former BYU head coach and current Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall has reached out to BYU’s current head coach Kalani Sitake with a direct and personal message. Though the content of the message has not been publicly disclosed in full, sources close to both programs indicate that it carried strong emotional and competitive undertones ahead of what may be a renewed football rivalry.
Bronco Mendenhall, who coached at BYU from 2005 to 2015, is a revered figure in Provo. He led the Cougars to multiple bowl games and helped establish the team’s modern identity during his decade-long tenure. Now at the helm of Utah State’s football program, Mendenhall has embraced a new challenge — but he hasn’t forgotten his roots or his former team.
Kalani Sitake, who played under Mendenhall and later succeeded him as BYU’s head coach, has carried forward the legacy while adding his own flair to the Cougars’ playing style. The mutual respect between the two coaches is well-known, and Mendenhall’s message to Sitake reportedly reflects a mix of personal support and spirited rivalry.
While no official statement has been released detailing the contents of the message, football insiders have speculated that it touches on the upcoming season, the evolution of the BYU program, and possibly even the potential for the two teams to face off in a future non-conference game or bowl matchup. With BYU now playing in the Big 12 and Utah State competing in the Mountain West Conference, such a clash would be high-stakes and emotionally charged.
The relationship between Mendenhall and Sitake is layered. Mendenhall helped mentor Sitake during his early coaching years and served as a pivotal influence in Sitake’s professional development. Since taking over BYU in 2016, Sitake has transformed the Cougars into a nationally respected program, especially with their entry into the Power Five ranks. Their success has mirrored the foundation laid by Mendenhall, and this message appears to be both a nod to that shared history and a competitive spark for the future.
Fan reactions have been swift and enthusiastic. BYU supporters are expressing gratitude for Mendenhall’s continued interest in the program, while Utah State fans are eager to see their new head coach bring his seasoned leadership to Logan. The idea of a future BYU-Utah State matchup, now with two respected figures on opposite sidelines, has generated buzz that could shape regional football discussions for months.
As the college football season approaches, this exchange between Mendenhall and Sitake adds another layer of intrigue. Whether the message was a simple note of encouragement, a challenge, or a hint at things to come, one thing is clear: Bronco Mendenhall’s legacy at BYU lives on — and his chapter at Utah State is just beginning.
In the ever-passionate world of college football, moments like this remind fans and players alike that the sport is as much about relationships as it is about rivalries.
