In a surprising and heartfelt meeting, former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall recently met with current head coach Kalani Sitake, offering not only a show of support but a powerful message for the Cougars’ team. The two coaches, who share a deep connection to the university, discussed the program’s current state and the challenges of leading a team at the highest level.
Mendenhall, who served as BYU’s head coach from 2005 to 2015, led the Cougars to multiple bowl appearances and cemented his legacy in the school’s football history. His tenure is marked by a strong defense-first mentality and a focus on disciplined, hard-hitting football. Under his leadership, BYU experienced significant success, including a 10-win season in 2014 and numerous top-25 finishes. Mendenhall’s departure to become the head coach at the University of Virginia in 2016 marked the end of an era, but his influence at BYU has never truly faded.
Sitake, who succeeded Mendenhall as head coach, has since continued to build on the strong foundation left behind, leading BYU to several bowl games and maintaining the program’s competitive edge, especially as they transitioned to the Big 12 Conference.
During their recent meeting, Mendenhall offered Sitake words of encouragement and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of building a culture of toughness and unity within the team. Mendenhall’s message was clear: staying grounded in the values that have always made BYU football special—faith, family, and work ethic—will continue to serve the program well as it moves forward.
The meeting between the two coaches serves as a reminder of the strong legacy and bond within the BYU football family, with Mendenhall’s support providing additional motivation for Sitake and the team as they look toward the future.
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