BYU dropped news late on Saturday night that head coach Kalani Sitake has signed a contract extension with the Cougars.
The announcement came on X with few details.
The Cougars were picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 this season, but Sitake and the Cougars ended up going 10-2 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12, which was tied for first place in the Big 12. The Cougars missed out on the Big 12 Championship Game due to tiebreakers.
Sitake has been the head coach of the Cougars since coming over from Oregon State to start the 2016 season. He has won at least 10 games in three of his last four seasons. BYU won 11 games in 2021 and 10 games in 2022.
Their first season in the Big 12 was a struggle in 2023, when the Cougars finished 5-7. But they bounced back in a big way in 2024. BYU was 9-0 before losing two games in a row at the end of the season against Kansas and Arizona State, before wrapping up the season with a win vs. Houston.
“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.”
Sitake’s previous contract ran through the 2027 season.
“It’s an honor to announce this long-term agreement to keep Kalani Sitake as BYU’s head football coach,” said athletic director Tom 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.”
