🚨 BYU Extends Long-Term Contract with Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake 🚨
BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe announced Saturday that the university has finalized a long-term contract extension with head football coach Kalani Sitake, ensuring he will continue leading the Cougars well into the future.
“It’s an honor to announce this long-term agreement to keep Kalani Sitake as BYU’s head football coach,” said Holmoe. “Over the past nine years, Kalani has built a program culture that aligns with the mission of Brigham Young University and our sponsoring institution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has not only developed his players into exceptional athletes but has also prepared them for success beyond the game. Kalani’s commitment to BYU runs deep, from his days as a fan and player to his leadership as head coach. Amidst a rapidly changing college football landscape, it’s reassuring to have a dedicated and consistent leader like Kalani at the helm.”
Sitake, whose previous contract extended through 2027, has been recognized for his outstanding leadership during the Cougars’ transition into the Big 12 Conference. In 2024, he was named the AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the AFCA National Coach of the Year after guiding BYU to a 10-2 regular-season record and a 7-2 conference finish, tying for first place in the Big 12 standings.
“I am deeply grateful for the continued trust and support from President Reese, Vice President Vorkink, Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, and Deputy AD Brian Santiago,” Sitake said. “Before I became the head coach at BYU, I was first a Cougar fan and then a player here. It’s humbling to serve as head coach at this incredible university, and I fully believe in its mission. I love working with the remarkable young men, coaches, and staff in our program and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the Big 12 Conference.”
Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Sitake has led BYU from FBS independence to membership in the Big 12 Conference. Over nine seasons, he has compiled a 71-43 record (.623). During BYU’s final three years of independence (2020-2022), the Cougars achieved a 29-9 record, with Sitake earning accolades as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award and a semifinalist for the George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year Award in consecutive years.
Sitake’s leadership has propelled BYU to three double-digit win seasons in the past five years, with notable achievements in 2020 (11-1), 2021 (10-3), and 2024 (10-2). Over this period, the Cougars have maintained a .710 winning percentage, ranking Sitake ninth among active FBS coaches in that span. The program has also excelled against top-tier competition, including a 2024 Strength of Record ranking of No. 12 nationally, with eight victories over Power Five opponents.
holistic player development both on and off the field. He introduced the Built4Life career development program, which prepares student-athletes for life after football by offering professional development and career readiness opportunities. Additionally, 13 of his players have been selected in the NFL Draft since he became head coach.
Sitake is BYU’s 14th head football coach and only the fourth to lead the program since 1972, following Hall of Famer LaVell Edwards, Gary Crowton, and Bronco Mendenhall. As the first former BYU player to take the role, Sitake has continued the program’s tradition of success, achieving a 4-2 record in bowl games and helping BYU rank No. 8 nationally in total wins since 1972.
A native of Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, and raised in Laie, Hawai‘i, and Provo, Utah, Sitake made history as the first FBS head coach of Tongan descent. Earlier this week, it was announced that he will be inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame in January 2025.