Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

BYU Makes Defensive Coaching Changes

Originally posted on The Forkball
By Tyla Wright Kosmicki | Last updated Jan 7, 2026 10:19 PM ET

BYU has announced the coaching changes for the defense since the departure of Jay Hill. Kelly Poppinga will be the defensive coordinator, and they promoted Sione Po’uha to associate head coach. These two have been with BYU for a while now, and it’s a great call for the Cougars.

excited to announce these staff updates @Coach_Popp – Defensive Coordinator@Pouha91 – Associate Head Coach pic.twitter.com/VIPN6LCHbC
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 8, 2026

Kelly Poppinga

Kelly Poppinga played for BYU from 2006 to 2007 as a linebacker. He helped the Cougars to back-to-back Mountain West Championships and was an All Mountain West Linebacker both years. Poppinga then moved on to the NFL, where he played for the 2008 Super Bowl-winning Cardinals.

He coached for BYU under Bronco Mendhall from 2009 to 2015 as a graduate assistant, and then was over the defensive line. From there, he followed Mendhall to Virginia from 2016 to 2021 as Special Teams Coordinator and defensive edge coach. In 2022, he was with Boise State as their Special Teams Coordinator and defensive edge coach. Poppinga then returned to BYU in 2023 when Jay Hill hopped on board. He was hired as the Special Teams Coordinator and the defensive ends coach. This is an amazing addition for the Cougars, and he will retain many players.

Sione Po’uha

Sione Po’uha played all four years for the Utes from 2000 to 2004. After leaving Utah for the NFL, he spent eight years in the pros before retiring.

He started his coaching career in 2015 as a student coach with Utah. In 2017, he was with Utah as director of player development. From there, he left for the Naval Academy and was the defensive tackle coach. From 2018 to 2021, he was back with Utah as their defensive tackle coach. He has been with BYU since 2022 as the defensive tackles coach. His promotion to associate head coach is a big move the Cougars after the departure of Jay Hill.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: