Earlier this year, BYU football coach Kalani Sitake was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
On March 24, Sitake was also named to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), as announced by the organization.
Sitake will be the second representative from the Big 12, alongside Kansas State’s Chris Klieman. He is one of seven new members to join the board, which also includes Rhett Lashlee (SMU), Jeff Monken (Army), Jamey Chadwell (Liberty), Jas Bains (Western Colorado), Jerheme Urban (Trinity), and Lance Taylor (Western Michigan).
The AFCA Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in formulating policy and providing direction for the association, making Sitake’s appointment a significant step in his ongoing influence in college football.
Kalani Sitake has been named to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association@kalanifsitake 🤝 pic.twitter.com/uRNKVb6CLk
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 24, 2025
Sitake’s Career at BYU
Entering his 10th season as BYU’s head coach in 2025, Sitake has compiled an impressive 72-43 record over his first nine seasons. A former BYU running back, Sitake took the reins as head coach in 2016 and led the team through its transition from FBS independents to joining the Big 12 Conference in 2023.
In 2024, Sitake guided BYU to an outstanding 11-2 season, including a tie for first place in the Big 12 and a victory in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Under his leadership, BYU has thrived, earning double-digit win seasons in three of the past five years. Sitake’s success has also contributed to the development of 33 NFL draft picks, including notable players like Zach Wilson, Fred Warner, and others who have made an impact at the professional level.
showin’ off the hardware pic.twitter.com/3DXLUmidp2
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 26, 2025
Coaching Legacy and Mentorship
Before taking the head coaching job at BYU, Sitake held assistant coaching positions at Oregon State and Utah, where he served as defensive coordinator. At Utah, Sitake helped develop several standout players, further cementing his reputation as a coach capable of fostering talent at the highest level.
Sitake is also known for his dedication to supporting BYU’s Built4Life program, which assists student-athletes in developing life skills and preparing for careers beyond football. As the first FBS head coach of Tongan descent, Sitake continues to inspire athletes and coaches alike with his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to professional development.
With his success at BYU and his new role on the AFCA Board of Trustees, Sitake’s impact on college football is set to grow even further.