BYU COUGARS

Head Coach Kalani Sitake Says BYU Football Isn’t ‘Looking For Quick Fix’

Jul 10, 2024, 5:06 PM | Updated: Jul 11, 2024, 3:25 pm

LAS VEGAS – BYU Football head coach Kalani Sitake understands that champions aren’t made overnight.

Sitake is going into his ninth season with the Cougars and wants to take his program to the highest level by any means necessary.

Kalani Sitake, BYU Look To Climb Big 12 Ladder

Sitake joined the KSL Sports Zone from the Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

After finishing 11th in the Big 12 in 2023, Sitake acknowledged that change is needed in Provo.

“There needs to be change,” Sitake said. “We can’t just do the same thing that we did last year and expect it to be any different. My job as a head coach is to look at the different variables. What can we change, what can we improve on, and then let’s make sure we get it done.”

Although all of the steps are laid out right there, it’s easier said than done. And even if it’s done right, the process doesn’t almost bring immediate success.

Improvement is a long road that isn’t always linear and Sitake knows this as well as anyone.

“I’m in here for the long run,” Sitake said. “I’m not looking for the quick fix. Although the quick fix does sound good, if there’s a way that you can fix it quickly and still learn all the awesome lessons then let’s do it.”

Staying Competitive In The Big 12

If there were any common themes from coaches and officials at the 2024 Media Days, it’s that the Big 12 isn’t a conference to mess around in.

The league is expanding both in size and talent. Although keeping up can seem daunting, BYU is up for the challenge.

“The season didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” Sitake said. “But, there were moments that we were like we definitely belong here. The question is how can we get more consistent production from our team. That’s my job. We all want to get better and get better fast.”

With 2023 in the rearview mirror and a new opportunity knocking on the door, the Cougars are anxious to get back out on the field.

The work that it takes to be great doesn’t take as much out of the players if they love the process.

“Now, it’s excitement to get to the season,” Sitake said. “We’re excited for fall camp, to hit, play football, get better, and see what we got in game one.”

About 2024 Big 12 Media Days

For the first time, the Big 12 is making its way to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, is hosting the two-day event on Tuesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 10.

The BYU Cougars will be attending their second Media Day as a member of the Big 12 after joining the conference in 2023. Last year, the Media Days were held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Utah is one of four newcomers to the Big 12 in 2024. The Utes will have a sense of familiarity at Allegiant Stadium though, having attended the 2023 Pac-12 Media Day at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

BYU Cougars

BYU football offers WR Rob Larson...

Brian Preece

BYU Football Offers Ryder Lyons’ Top Receiver On Recruiting Trail

The BYU Cougars have extended a scholarship offer to Folsom High School wide receiver Rob Larson. Larson is the top target of BYU quarterback commit Ryder Lyons.

5 hours ago

BYU Football, Captains, 2025 Season, Keanu Tanuvasa...

Mitch Harper

BYU Football Announces Captains For 2025 Season

The leadership council for BYU football in 2025 has been decided.

6 hours ago

Jonathan Kabeya, BYU Football, Undisclosed Injury...

Brian Preece

BYU CB Jonathan Kabeya Not Listed On Opening Week Depth Chart

The BYU Cougars are expected to be without the services of sophomore corner Jonathan Kabeya for the team's season-opener against Portland State.

9 hours ago

BYU Football Depth Chart, Portland State, Jack Kelly, Ace Kaufusi...

Mitch Harper

BYU Football Releases Depth Chart For Portland State Game

BYU's first depth chart of the 2025 season is out.

10 hours ago

BYU Football, Newcomers, 2025 Season, Keanu Tanuvasa, Kalani Sitake...

Brian Preece

Keanu Tanuvasa Is ‘Complete Package’ For BYU Football Defensive Line

BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa heads into the 2025 season seeking to solidify himself as one of the top defenders in the country.

11 hours ago

Ryder Lyons, BYU Football, Grant, Folsom High...

Mitch Harper

BYU Commit Ryder Lyons Puts Up Huge Numbers In Folsom Opener

Big opener for Ryder Lyons and Folsom High to kick off the 2025 season.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Phil Holland | Murray High School...

Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week – Week 1 – Phill Holland, Murray

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Salt Lake County.

two images of high school football players...

Northern Utah High School Player of the Week – Week 1 – Cade Hadley & Jack Savage

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Northern Utah.

kaneal sweetwyne tosses football...

Utah County High School Player of the Week – Week 1 – Kaneal Sweetwyne

Our first honoree of the 2025 prep season is Skyridge High School quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 11

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Page was generated in 3.5821340084076