Kalani Sitake Stays True to BYU as Cougars Eye Big Goals

A friendly face in a tough business

Kalani Sitake does not act like most major college football coaches. Entering his 11th season at BYU, the former fullback approaches rivals with open arms and big smiles. He likes to ask other head coaches about their backgrounds and philosophies, treating opponents as friends rather than enemies.

Arizona coach Brent Brennan noted that Sitake is authentic and always himself. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire pointed out that Sitake still wants to beat you on the field, but McGuire loves his positive attitude. TCU coach Sonny Dykes explained that Sitake is completely comfortable in his own skin, even singing and dancing during coaching retreats at Pebble Beach. That warm approach has earned him respect across the country from peers like Deion Sanders and Chris Klieman.

Winning games and drawing outside interest

Sitake learned this style directly from his former coach, LaVell Edwards, who won 257 games and a national title at BYU. Sitake is now building his own successful run. BYU has won 23 games over the past two seasons. That win total places Sitake behind only four other FBS coaches during that stretch.

That run pushed BYU into the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech last December. It also brought heavy interest from other programs. Penn State targeted Sitake after firing James Franklin in October, and the school believed it had hired him by mid November. BYU athletic director Brian Santiago worried about losing him, but Sitake remained in Provo to lead his alma mater.

What it means for the next game

BYU now prepares for two important matchups on the schedule.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at BYU Cougars (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): BYU Cougars win 23%, Notre Dame Fighting Irish win 77%; projected score BYU Cougars 19, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 29. Our safest pick: Notre Dame to win.

BYU Cougars at UCF Knights (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): UCF Knights win 28%, BYU Cougars win 72%; projected score UCF Knights 20, BYU Cougars 26. Our safest pick: BYU to win.