In the realm of college football, few coaches have left as indelible a mark as BYU Football Coach Kalani Sitake. His leadership and dedication have led the Cougars to one of the most remarkable seasons in school history. Late Saturday night, the news spread like wildfire as BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe announced a long-term contract extension for Sitake, ensuring his presence in Provo "well into the future." However, the exact length of this extension remained undisclosed in the school's news release.

"Kalani Sitake: Transforming BYU Football into a Powerhouse"

Building a Culture that Fits the Mission

In his nine years at the helm of the Cougars, Kalani Sitake has crafted a culture that seamlessly aligns with the mission of Brigham Young University and its sponsoring institution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His ability to connect with football student-athletes on a profound level has not only helped them grow and develop as players on the field but has also played a crucial role in strengthening them for life after football. As Holmoe stated in a recent statement, "Kalani's signing signals his loyalty to a program he has poured much of his life into as a young fan, a player, and our head coach." This commitment to the program is evident in every aspect of the team's performance. 1: Sitake's emphasis on character and discipline has created a team environment that fosters growth and unity. The players under his guidance understand the importance of representing the university with pride and integrity. They strive to uphold the values that the program stands for, both on and off the field. This cultural foundation has laid the groundwork for the team's success, as it instills a sense of purpose and motivation in each player. 2: The impact of Sitake's culture extends beyond the football field. His players graduate at high rates and go on to make significant contributions in various fields. This shows that he is not only focused on winning games but also on developing well-rounded individuals. The bond between the coach and his players is strong, and it is this connection that has propelled the Cougars to new heights.

From FBS Independents to Big 12 Membership

Since taking over the program in 2016, Sitake has masterfully guided BYU from the ranks of FBS independents to membership in the Big 12 in the past two seasons. This transition has not been easy, but Sitake's leadership and strategic decisions have paved the way for the team's success. Through his tenure, he has amassed a career record of 71-43 (.623), demonstrating his ability to lead the Cougars to victory. 1: In the final three seasons of BYU's independence from 2020-2022, Sitake posted a remarkable 29-9 record. His teams showed exceptional resilience and determination during this time, facing various challenges and emerging stronger. His coaching style, which emphasizes teamwork and hard work, has been instrumental in the team's success. 2: The move to the Big 12 has brought new opportunities and challenges for the Cougars. Sitake has quickly adapted to the higher level of competition and has led the team to achieve double-digit victories in three of the last five seasons. His teams have not only won games but have also played with a sense of pride and competitiveness, making a name for themselves in the conference.

Recent Achievements and Awards

In December 2021, BYU signed Sitake to a new "unprecedented" contract through the 2027 season. This season, he led the Cougars to their third double-digit victory season in the last five years with a 10-2 regular season and a 7-2 conference record. His teams tied for the top of the 2024 Big 12 Conference standings, showcasing their dominance in the conference. 1: Sitake's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been named an Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award Finalist and a George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year Award Semifinalist in back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021. These awards are a testament to his coaching prowess and the respect he has earned in the football community. 2: His teams have also achieved a combined 44-18 (.710) record in the Big 12, giving him the ninth-best winning percentage among all FBS coaches in that time frame. This is a remarkable feat, considering the level of competition in the conference. Sitake's ability to consistently lead the Cougars to success is a testament to his coaching abilities and his commitment to the program.