Kalani Sitake Braces for Coaching Shake-Up as Michigan Eyes BYU Staff

Kalani Sitake may be winning games on the field, but off the field, the BYU head coach is dealing with growing pressure that could reshape his coaching staff. A chain reaction sparked by Kyle Whittingham’s reported interest in BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill has put the Cougars on alert, with multiple assistants now potentially in play.

According to BYU Sports analyst Ben Criddle, Michigan insiders believe Whittingham is targeting Hill to run the defense at Michigan. Hill, who has been BYU’s defensive coordinator since 2023, is a familiar name to Whittingham. The two worked together for years at Utah, where Hill served in several coaching roles between 2001 and 2013. Whittingham became Utah’s head coach in 2005, and their professional relationship has remained strong ever since.

Hill’s impact at BYU has been clear. In 2024, the Cougars allowed just 308.8 yards per game, ranking 13th nationally. While the defense slipped to 35th this season, it remained competitive and consistent in the Big 12. That production has made Hill one of the hottest defensive names on the coaching market.

If Hill leaves, the effects may not stop there. Criddle also reported that Hill has interest in bringing Gary Andersen and Jernaro Gilford along with him. Andersen, currently a BYU analyst, has deep ties to Whittingham dating back more than 20 years to their early coaching days at Idaho State. Andersen previously served as Utah’s defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008, leading a dramatic rise from a No. 50 defense to No. 5 nationally. He later returned to Utah in 2018 and helped the Utes finish 17th in yards allowed per game.

Gilford may be the biggest concern for Sitake. BYU’s pass defense thrived under his guidance in 2024, producing 12 different players with interceptions — the most in the FBS. The Cougars also forced 29 turnovers, tied for third nationally, and allowed only 182.5 passing yards per game, ranking 20th in the country and first in the Big 12. His work earned him a promotion to defensive passing game coordinator last February.

Despite the rumors, Kalani Sitake has remained calm in public. Speaking at the Pop-Tarts Bowl press conference after BYU’s 34-7 loss to Texas Tech, he acknowledged the attention his staff is receiving.

“When you’re doing things the right way, people are going to want your guys,” Sitake said. “That’s a good sign.”

Still, behind the scenes, uncertainty remains. BYU insider Travis Garlick reported that Hill has told people close to him he plans to leave the program. Sources also noted frustration from Hill after Sitake missed much of the team’s preparation week ahead of the Big 12 Championship.

If Hill departs, replacements are already being discussed. Gilford is one option, but his own future is unclear. FOX Sports analyst Bruce Feldman has also mentioned USC defensive line coach and BYU alum Shaun Nua as a possible candidate to watch.

For Kalani Sitake, the challenge now is clear: keep his defensive core intact while navigating another offseason of coaching turnover. How he handles this moment could shape BYU’s future just as much as any result on the field.

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