Kalani Sitake Supports His BYU Staff To ‘Climb Ladder’ If New Jobs Come Calling

PROVO, Utah – The head coach vacancy at Utah State has left many to wonder if the Aggies will inquire about assistants on the BYU football coaching staff led by Kalani Sitake.

BYU is 8-0 and ranked No. 8 in both of the national rankings and has put out an exciting football brand on both sides of the ball. Making coaches Jeff Grimes, Aaron Roderick, Ilaisa Tuiaki, and Ed Lamb as potential options for the Aggies job.

If Utah State AD John Hartwell and the Aggies brass make calls to the BYU staff members, Sitake, would not be opposed to them taking those calls.

With a coaching change taking place at Utah State, Kalani Sitake was asked if he has a policy on schools contacting his coaches about open positions.#BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/zE4Wgn9cNh

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 10, 2020

“In regards to jobs, I’ve said it before, I think we have great coaches on our staff that are future head coaches, and our future coordinators, and great leaders. So I will always be in support of them climbing the ladder and getting their opportunities, just like other mentors have done for me,” Sitake said on Monday during his weekly press conference.

It’s a good problem to have for BYU. Having desirable assistants means you have a successful program. Right now, Sitake’s program is not only undefeated, but they have a top 10 offense and defense in all of college football. That’s with all the conferences now back in action.

Utah State isn’t the only job that could come calling for some of Sitake’s assistants. It’s early in the coaching carousel, but there will come a time where Power 5 coordinator jobs open up. Group of 5 head coach positions will eventually need to be filled. BYU’s staff has shown they can develop and overcome adversity to produce optimal results. That has to be attractive to ADs who will likely be more cautious than ever with their hires amidst the global pandemic that has rocked every athletic department’s revenue streams.

Kalani Sitake wants to be a mentor to his staff

Wherever the coaches on BYU’s staff want to go from Provo, Sitake works to mentor his staff, like many of the men that helped him climb the ladder in his coaching career from Junior College to Utah, Oregon State, and now BYU.

“I would not be here if it weren’t for mentors that I’ve had in coaching. I’ve had great mentors in LaVell Edwards, Kyle Whittingham, Gary Andersen, and Norm Chow; I know I’m leaving people out, but some great coaches have been part of my life, and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them and their mentoring.

“…mentors are still involved in my life today. Guys like Ron McBride, I got a text from him, Andy Reid, and great coaches that are out there to take time out of their busy schedule to just check up on me. Ken Niumatalolo, guys like that, that I stay in contact with often. I’m just thankful for all their love and friendship. I think that the more people I know and get out there and get opportunities, I’ll always support it.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.