Kalani Sitake’s time at BYU has honestly been a wild ride. Over the last decade, he’s built something that feels bigger than wins and losses—it’s about culture, relationships, and steady, sometimes quiet, persistence.
He’s racked up 23 wins in just the past two seasons. That’s helped BYU land a preseason Top-15 ranking for 2026, which is no small feat.
But let’s be real, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Sitake’s faced real challenges, like limited resources and the unpredictable world of college football.
This article takes a look at the strategies and philosophies that have shaped Sitake’s leadership at BYU. There’s something unique about the way he’s fostered a winning culture, even when the odds weren’t exactly in his favor.
The Foundation of Culture and Relationships
Right from day one, Kalani Sitake made it clear: culture and relationships were going to be the backbone of his program. That focus has been a game changer for the Cougars.
His easygoing vibe, real accountability, and the push to get players competing for something bigger than themselves—those are the things that have stuck. It’s not just about football for him, and you can feel that.
Building a Cohesive Coaching Staff
Sitake’s first big move? Assembling a coaching staff that actually gets what BYU is all about. He went with people he already trusted—former teammates, players, and connections who understood the culture from the inside out.
It’s made a difference. The latest crew includes:
- Jay Hill as defensive coordinator
- Kelly Poppinga
- Justin Ena
- Veteran offensive-line coach TJ Woods
- An NFL-experienced tight-ends coach
These hires have sharpened everything from game prep to teaching. There’s just more consistency and a stronger foundation now.
Enhancing Training, Nutrition, and Facilities
Sitake brought over some wisdom from his Utah days, where he saw firsthand how better training and facilities can change a program. At BYU, he’s pushed hard for improvements in those areas.
One of his bigger moves was bringing in Skyler Mayne to revamp strength and conditioning. The staff now features:
- Ryan Phillips
- Nate Pototschnik
- Christian Tupou
- Tim Ismail
- Zach Shaw
- Former player Coleby Clawson as assistant athletic director for football health and performance
Since these changes, soft-tissue injuries have dropped off sharply. That’s had a real impact on how the team performs week to week.
Utilizing Analysts and Consultants
It’s not just about physical training, either. Sitake’s added analysts and consultants to get more eyes on film and game planning.
Bringing in former head coach Gary Andersen as chief consultant and senior defensive consultant has added another layer of insight. These outside perspectives have helped fine-tune the team’s preparation and execution.
Navigating the Transfer Portal and NIL Era
The transfer portal and NIL era have totally changed the college football game. Sitake and his staff have had to adapt fast.
They’ve found players who fit the culture, not just the stat sheet. Guys like linebacker Jack Kelly and tight end Carsen Ryan, both drafted this past spring, are proof that the approach is working.
Recruiting Success
Sitake’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked 21st nationally—the best BYU’s ever done. That says a lot about his recruiting chops.
He’s not just chasing talent, though. The focus is on roster chemistry and even financial know-how for the long haul. Campus business experts work with athletes on taxes, portfolios, and understanding compounding, which is honestly pretty forward-thinking.
Commitment to BYU and the Challenges Ahead
Kalani Sitake’s loyalty to BYU is hard to miss. He’s said more than once that coaching the Cougars is all he’s ever wanted.
That dedication got tested last November when Penn State showed interest. Sitake decided to stay put after BYU promised to back the program with the resources it needs to stay competitive.
Contractual Commitments and Public Friction
Despite assurances, there’s been public friction about whether contractual commitments are actually being fulfilled. Sitake’s agent, David Dunn, keeps pushing for the agreements signed last December to be honored.
The university’s shortfalls seem to stem from a campus culture where everyone fiercely protects their own turf. Someone even pointed out, maybe a bit bluntly, that *control is the wrong thing to optimize for; output is.*
It’s an unnecessary distraction, honestly, especially right before a season that holds a lot of promise. Still, it doesn’t erase the work Sitake’s put in—building a staff, shaping the culture, and putting together a healthier roster and a core that’s already delivered real results.
For a more detailed look at Kalani Sitake’s impact on BYU football, you can read the full article on Deseret Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
