It’s official.
After months, weeks and days of speculation, BYU coach Kalani Sitake received a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Provo through the 2023 season.
Because BYU is a private institution, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sitake, who is 26-23 in four seasons at his alma mater, had been under contract through 2020.
“We are pleased to announce a contract extension for Kalani,” said Holmoe in a press release. “We believe in him and the direction of the program. Together we are committed to creating a bright future for BYU football.”
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“I truly appreciate the continued support that Tom Holmoe, President Worthen and the BYU administration have for our program,” said Sitake. “I love our players, coaches and fans and I’m excited about the future of BYU football.”
In his fourth season, Sitake, has picked up a number of notable wins against USC, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Mississippi State, and Tennessee just to name a few. At the same time, Sitake has also had some head scratching losses to programs such as UMass, Northern Illinois, East Carolina, Fresno State as well as two games this year against Toledo and South Florida.
A number of fans wanted Sitake to be extended right after the Cougars had beaten then-No. 24 USC at home to improve to 2-1 on the season. Others wanted Sitake fired after the Cougars dropped their third game in a row in a loss to South Florida.
| Year | Record | Bowl result |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9-4 | 24-21 win over Wyoming (Poinsettia Bowl) |
| 2017 | 4-9 | None |
| 2018 | 7-6 | 49-18 win over W. Michigan (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl) |
| 2019 | 6-4 | Accepted invitation to Hawaii Bowl |
| Totals | 26-23 | 2-0 in bowl games |
After dropping to 2-4, the team has since rallied, winning four games in a row to become bowl eligible. And through all the ups and downs, BYU players had Sitake’s back, even sporting #EXTENDKALANI t-shirts before and after Saturday’s game against Idaho State.
“If felt like I was getting a contract extension,” said BYU junior defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga. “For Kalani, it is more than just football. I am just happy for him and happy for his family. We love coach Kalani and everything he stands for.”
BYU AD Tom Holmoe had a really unique way of announcing a contract extension for Kalani Sitake ➡️ https://t.co/W2gWYIeDQ2 pic.twitter.com/76NI7h3z9e
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) November 18, 2019
That’s not just how Tonga feels either, but the entire team as well. That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see several players sporting #EXTENDKALANI t-shirts before and after Saturday’s game. And the reaction of all the players and coaches celebrating after Holmoe broke the news said it all.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions to Sitake’s contract extension:
Congrats to @kalanifsitake on his new deal! Excited for the future of @BYUfootball
— Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) November 18, 2019
Congrats to the cousin!! @kalanifsitake you deserve all that and more. Given lemons and keep turning that into lemonade!!
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) November 18, 2019
BYU made the right move in extending Kalani.
Next step: The program and administration better give him and the team the added resources and support needed to be able to consistently compete against the TOUGH upcoming schedules that await them.
— tanner mangum (@tannermangum) November 18, 2019
Congrats coach!!! @kalanifsitake Deserves everything coming your way! Much ofas always!
— Sione Takitaki (@STakitaki) November 18, 2019
Congrats to the best football coach in the country!! @kalanifsitake The best Head Coach I've ever had the pleasure of playing for https://t.co/KHWx8GV1Pn
— butchpauu (@butchpauu7) November 18, 2019
This man is everything and more that BYU represents, Congrats Bro!!! Many many more years to come!! #BuiltNotBorn #GoCougs ?? https://t.co/49M3m8A81i
— Harvey Unga (@unga45) November 18, 2019
I love this man. A great coach and an even better person.
Congratulations @kalanifsitake @BYUfootball is in good hands. pic.twitter.com/7KM1sAHUGJ— Matthew Hadley (@versace_matt2) November 19, 2019
"Look at the video footage of the locker room, that's all you need to know about the extension" – @tannermangum #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFootball #ESPN960 #KalaniSitakehttps://t.co/8ECMDivSBE
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) November 18, 2019
So excited for Kalani! He deserves this and the program is lucky to have him! The players love him and trust his leadership and the culture he is building here. https://t.co/dZ0T9w8oJA
— Gavin Fowler (@gavinfowler16) November 18, 2019
BYU Extends Kalani Sitake's Contract Through 2023 Season – KSL Sports https://t.co/GDCa93ogqD via
The right move!! Can’t wait to continue being a part of this program for the next 3-4 years!— Kyle Griffitts (@kgee42) November 18, 2019
Current Mood, And How I Feel Working Alongside Coach Sitake! When We Use The Word “Love” Around Here, We Really Mean It! #BuiltNotBorn ???? pic.twitter.com/nvIV83BhTU
— AJ Steward (@Coach_Steward) November 18, 2019
Finally official! Congratulations to Kalani, the right man for the job! We are all behind you! Go Cougs ?? https://t.co/kdFtfC9crv
— Alema Harrington (@AlemaHarrington) November 18, 2019
Kalani's commitment to over-recruiting the QB position might have saved his career. Remember when BYU had 7 QBs on the roster? The cream rised to the top and BYU has 4 underclassmen QBs that would start on most G5 football teams. Saved the season.
— Lance Archibald (@lancewarchibald) November 19, 2019
Also- it’s about time they extended Kalani. I’m team Sitake for life.
— Steve Tate (@tate28) November 17, 2019
Congrats to @kalanifsitake! Proud to see that guy lead the program. He loves it, he understands it, and he fights for it. In the same way, he loves his players and fights for them. One of the most genuine people that you can ever meet. https://t.co/XxEgz4BO4p
— Jackson Emery (@jacksonemery04) November 18, 2019
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