Kalani Sitake gives classy response to rumors of Jay Hill leaving BYU

The BYU head coach signed a long-term contract extension recently, which he believes gives him better options if assistants depart. The Cougars have added multiple coaches per position, creating built-in succession plans. “You have a bunch of guys who already know what we are doing,” Sitake explained during the press conference.

BYU has experienced this before. Former offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes left for another opportunity, and the Cougars promoted Aaron Roderick internally. Several former coordinators remain on staff, including Justin Ena, Chad Kauha’aha’a, and Gary Andersen. Defensive passing game coordinator Jernaro Gilford represents another internal option should Hill departs.

Sitake, who has experience as a defensive coordinator himself, said the program must prepare for any scenario. He emphasized that established play-calling systems help smooth transitions, though he acknowledged losing someone as valuable as Hill would be complicated.

Hill Transformed BYU Defense into Big 12 Force

Since joining BYU in 2023, Hill has turned one of the worst defenses in FBS into a top-25 unit. The Cougars rank 21st nationally in scoring defense this season, holding opponents to 19 points per game, per CBS Sports. His aggressive, disciplined approach reshaped the program’s defensive identity.

Hill’s connection to Whittingham runs deep. He played linebacker for the Utes and later served as a graduate assistant starting in 2001, eventually coaching under Whittingham through 2013. That relationship makes him an obvious candidate as Whittingham builds his Michigan staff.

Despite the uncertainty, Sitake framed the situation positively. “It’s great for them and their families,” he said. “That’s a good sign that people want our coaches to become leaders and coordinators and be part of programs too.”

BYU won 22 games over the past two seasons and came close to College Football Playoff contention. Sitake believes that success makes his coaches attractive to other programs, which he views as validation rather than a threat.