There are pressure points at BYU, but Kalani Sitake’s position is not one of them.
BYU Football Faces Increased Pressure Amidst Uncomfortable Conditions
The heat at BYU isn’t just from the weather—it’s also from the aftermath of a challenging season. The Oregon Ducks seemed like the clear favorites, but the Texas Longhorns have made a strong push to re-enter the competition for five-star safety Jonah Williams.
Following five consecutive losses to end the 2023 season, there’s palpable discomfort in Provo, particularly for head football coach Kalani Sitake. The losing streak prompted significant changes, including staff shake-ups, roster adjustments, and strategic overhauls aimed at making the team bigger, stronger, and faster as they enter their second year in the Big 12.
The revamped team will hit the practice field in less than two weeks, with the season opener against Southern Illinois scheduled for August 31. The national fan base, which was not pleased with BYU’s second losing season since 2004, will quickly judge the effectiveness of these changes.
Adding to the tension is the inclusion of four more conference teams, including rival Utah, and a preseason poll that ranks the Cougars 13th out of 16 teams, with the Utes at No. 1. This only heightens the pressure. Some preseason analyses suggest Sitake could be on the hot seat, meaning BYU must deliver a strong season for their first Tongan head coach to keep his position.
The Hot Seat
While there is some pressure on Sitake, he is not on the hot seat yet. A coach facing true trouble is one who resists change when things go wrong. BYU has posted a combined 13-12 record over the last two seasons, leading to changes in Sitake’s staff.
Since the end of the 2022 season, Sitake has brought in new coaches to oversee various positions, including defense, special teams, and strength and conditioning. However, the offensive play calling remains a focal point of concern. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, passing game coordinator Fesi Sitake, and running backs coach Harvey Unga face significant pressure to improve productivity.
In previous seasons, with NFL-caliber talent like Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall, and Tyler Allgeier, BYU’s offense excelled. However, in 2022, injuries and a drop in performance led to a significant decline in offensive statistics, which were among the worst in the nation.
Betting on Improvement
Roderick is hoping that grad-transfer Gerry Bohanon and returning starter Jake Retzlaff can enhance quarterback play. Fesi Sitake has a receiving corps that is potentially the deepest in BYU history, and Unga has a healthy Hinckley Ropati to complement other running backs. New offensive line coach TJ Woods and tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride are expected to provide more options and flexibility at the line of scrimmage.
Spring practice focused on running the football, but fall camp will prioritize the passing game. Success in both areas will be crucial for relieving pressure on the coaching staff.
Unprecedented Task
Sitake’s transition from leading an independent program to joining the Big 12 and facing rival Utah in the same conference is unprecedented. Remodeling a roster rapidly demands significant time and support.
The idea of replacing Sitake is easy to suggest but difficult to execute. The BYU job is notoriously challenging, as demonstrated by former coaches Gary Crowton and Bronco Mendenhall. Crowton’s tenure ended abruptly after legal issues and defeats, while Mendenhall, despite a successful 11-year run, left amid tensions and a series of losses to rival Utah.
Sitake has a record of 61-41 over eight seasons. His tenure includes standout years with records of 9-4, 11-1, and 10-3, but also some disappointing seasons with records of 4-9, 7-6, and 5-7 last year. Unlike his predecessors, Sitake has not encountered the same issues. His approachable personality has been a boon for BYU’s media relations team.
He’s reminiscent of those enthusiastic fourth-quarter performers at LaVell Edwards Stadium, who maintain their cheerfulness despite the intense pressure. But despite his occasional energetic displays, Sitake is firmly focused on his responsibilities.
His openness to change and commitment to improvement are keeping him off the hot seat. A successful season and a bowl game will be crucial in ensuring that key members of his staff remain secure as well.
