COUGAR COMMUNITY CELEBRATES: Kalani Sitake Receives National Coach of the Year Honors — A Triumph for BYU Football and Faithful Fans
Provo erupted in celebration this week as BYU’s beloved head coach Kalani Sitake was officially named National Coach of the Year, capping off a season filled with grit, unity, and unexpected triumphs. The prestigious honor not only highlights Sitake’s strategic brilliance but also his unwavering commitment to the values that define BYU football.
In a heartfelt press conference filled with emotion and gratitude, Sitake deflected praise and turned the spotlight on his players, staff, and the Cougar fan base. “This award isn’t just mine,” Sitake said. “It belongs to every young man in that locker room, every coach who grinds behind the scenes, and every Cougar fan who never stopped believing in us.”
Sitake’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. With a roster of underrated recruits and transfer additions, he led BYU to a top-10 finish, including major wins over powerhouse programs. But what set Sitake apart wasn’t just the wins—it was how he won. His leadership radiated positivity, faith, and a genuine love for his players.
The news of the award sparked celebrations across Provo and the BYU campus. Students lit up social media with tributes, and a spontaneous crowd gathered outside LaVell Edwards Stadium to chant Sitake’s name in the cold night air. Even alumni like Steve Young and Ty Detmer posted congratulatory messages, calling Sitake “the soul of BYU football.”
For Sitake, who once wore the Cougar jersey himself, this moment represents the full-circle journey of a humble leader who stayed true to his roots. As the Cougars look ahead to a bright future, one thing is clear — with Kalani Sitake at the helm, BYU football is in the best hands possible.
