Kalani Sitake: BYU Coach Honored with National Football Foundation Medal of Honor
The National Football Foundation (NFF) has officially recognized BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake with the prestigious Medal of Honor, one of the highest accolades in college football. This award celebrates not only coaching excellence but also leadership, integrity, and positive influence on players and the broader football community.
Since being appointed head coach in 2016, Sitake has transformed the BYU football program into one synonymous with resilience, strong culture, and unwavering discipline. His teams consistently exhibit remarkable tenacity on the field, reflecting a philosophy that prioritizes character development alongside athletic performance. Players under his mentorship often speak of his ability to motivate, inspire, and foster a sense of family within the program.
Sitake’s influence extends far beyond Xs and Os. Known for his approachable demeanor and commitment to holistic development, he emphasizes leadership, accountability, and service. He encourages his athletes to excel not only as football players but as leaders in their communities, advocates for social responsibility, and role models for younger generations. Many of his former players have gone on to succeed professionally and personally, crediting Sitake’s guidance as a cornerstone of their growth.
The NFF Medal of Honor is not handed out lightly. Past recipients include some of college football’s most respected figures, and Sitake’s inclusion speaks volumes about his reputation and the impact of his work at BYU. His leadership philosophy, rooted in respect, perseverance, and integrity, has been a driving force behind the program’s recent successes, including notable bowl appearances and consistent competitiveness in the ever-challenging landscape of college football.
Off the field, Sitake is deeply involved in community initiatives and mentoring programs. His work emphasizes the power of sports to shape character, instill values, and open doors for young people. His ability to connect with players, fans, and community members alike has cemented him as one of college football’s most respected and admired coaches.
Receiving the NFF Medal of Honor is a fitting recognition of Sitake’s contributions. It highlights a career built not only on wins and losses but on shaping lives, uplifting communities, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose. For BYU, Sitake’s legacy is one that will endure for generations, inspiring both athletes and fans to embrace a culture of excellence and integrity.
Kalani Sitake is more than a coach; he is a leader, mentor, and symbol of the positive influence football can have on and off the field. His Medal of Honor is a testament to the lasting impact of his work and a reminder that true success in sports is measured by the lives one touches.
