BREAKING: BYU Terminates Head Coach Kalani Sitake’s Contract Effective Immediately
In a surprising and significant move, Brigham Young University (BYU) has officially announced the immediate termination of Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake’s contract. The decision, which was confirmed early this morning by university officials, comes after a disappointing season and growing dissatisfaction with the program’s direction. Citing poor performance and an inability to meet the high expectations of BYU’s football legacy, the university has decided to part ways with Sitake, who has led the program since 2016.
Kalani Sitake, a BYU alum and the first Tongan collegiate head football coach in NCAA history, took over the reins of the Cougars football team nearly a decade ago. His tenure saw a mix of highs and lows, including a standout 11-1 season in 2020, which earned him national praise and elevated the program’s visibility. However, the momentum from that year failed to carry forward consistently. The Cougars have struggled in recent seasons, especially since joining the Big 12 Conference, where the competition has proven fierce and unforgiving.
According to sources close to the program, the decision to terminate Sitake was not made lightly. BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe addressed the media in a brief press conference, saying, “We thank Coach Sitake for his years of dedicated service to BYU and the impact he has had on our student-athletes, staff, and community. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we felt was necessary to move the program in the right direction.”
The 2024 season was expected to be a turning point for the Cougars. With several key recruits and a revamped coaching staff, fans and alumni anticipated a resurgence. Instead, BYU finished the season well below expectations, posting a losing record and failing to qualify for a bowl game. Reports of locker room disconnect, inconsistent game strategies, and difficulty adapting to the high standards of Big 12 play further fueled speculation about Sitake’s future.
While Sitake’s leadership brought moments of excitement and memorable victories, critics argue that the program lacked consistent identity and execution. “It just felt like the team never fully turned the corner,” one former player said anonymously. “Coach Sitake is a great person, but we kept falling short when it mattered most.”
BYU has not yet announced an interim head coach or a timeline for naming a permanent replacement. However, speculation is already circulating about potential candidates, including current assistant coaches, former players, and rising stars from other collegiate programs.
The university emphasized its commitment to building a competitive program that aligns with BYU’s values and traditions. As the coaching search begins, fans will be watching closely to see how BYU plans to rebuild and reassert itself as a contender within the Big 12.
As for Sitake, his next steps remain uncertain, but with his wealth of experience and respected presence in the coaching world, many believe he will land another opportunity soon—either in college football or potentially even in the NFL.
One chapter ends, and another begins for BYU football.
