5 Coaches to Replace Kalani Sitake as Head Coach of BYU: Potential Moves Amid NFL Rumors
As Kalani Sitake’s tenure at BYU is rumored to be on the brink of shifting to the NFL, particularly with the Seattle Seahawks eyeing him as a potential candidate for their head coach position, the question arises: who could replace him? While Sitake has been a cornerstone of the program, leading the Cougars through a successful and competitive era, a new head coach could steer BYU into its next chapter. Here are five candidates who could realistically fill the void if Sitake departs for the NFL.
1. Chris Petersen – Former Washington Huskies Head Coach
Chris Petersen’s name has surfaced in numerous coaching conversations since he stepped down as the head coach of the University of Washington in 2019. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and consistent success, Petersen would bring a wealth of experience to BYU. His track record includes leading Boise State to multiple high-profile wins and resurrecting Washington’s program. Petersen is a former BYU assistant coach, so he understands the unique challenges of coaching at a religiously affiliated school. His leadership could provide stability and bring BYU back into national contention.
2. Gary Andersen – Former Utah State and Wisconsin Head Coach
Gary Andersen has a history of revitalizing programs, making him a natural choice for BYU if Kalani Sitake moves on. Andersen had a successful run at Utah State, where he revitalized the program before moving on to Wisconsin. His experience coaching in the Big Ten and Pac-12 provides him with insight into the challenges BYU faces in the Power Five landscape. His no-nonsense approach and defensive prowess could help elevate BYU’s program to a new level, though it’s worth noting his tenure at Oregon State was a mixed bag. Still, Andersen is a proven winner and could help solidify BYU’s standing in the competitive world of college football.
3. Justin Wilcox – California Golden Bears Head Coach
Justin Wilcox, the current head coach at California, has been quietly making strides with the Golden Bears, often exceeding expectations in a tough Pac-12 environment. With his defensive background, Wilcox could bring a much-needed toughness to BYU’s football program. His coaching experience and success at multiple programs, including his defensive coordinator roles at USC and Washington, could allow him to step into BYU’s head coach position with relative ease. Additionally, Wilcox has shown the ability to recruit athletes capable of competing on the national stage, which would be crucial as BYU enters the Big 12 conference in 2023.
4. Bronco Mendenhall – Former BYU Head Coach
This pick is both bold and controversial, given that Mendenhall left BYU in 2015 after 11 years at the helm. However, after a relatively underwhelming tenure at Virginia, Mendenhall may be open to returning to his roots. Fans who remember Mendenhall’s success at BYU, including several 10-win seasons and consistent bowl appearances, would undoubtedly support his return. Mendenhall knows BYU’s unique culture and the challenge of balancing religious values with high-level college football. If Sitake were to leave, Mendenhall’s return could unite the fanbase and provide a stable, successful option for the future.
5. Kalani Sitake’s Potential Successor – A Homegrown Candidate
Lastly, BYU may look within its own ranks for Sitake’s successor. Several assistants under Sitake have garnered attention as potential head coaches, including offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki. Roderick has been instrumental in transforming BYU’s offense into a potent force, while Tuiaki’s defenses have been consistently competitive. Both have the requisite knowledge of the program’s culture, and their loyalty to BYU would be an asset in building continuity. While it may seem like a risky move to promote from within, many fans would embrace the familiarity these coaches bring, and it would allow the program to maintain the current trajectory of success.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for BYU
Should Kalani Sitake leave BYU for the NFL, the program would face a pivotal moment in its history. The right replacement will not only need to maintain BYU’s strong football tradition but also adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football, especially with the school’s move to the Big 12. Whether the next head coach is a proven winner with experience in major conferences or a familiar face from within the program, BYU’s future could be in capable hands. The question remains—who will take the reins when Sitake’s rumored NFL move becomes a reality? Time will tell.
