When your past and present collide on the biggest stage, it creates a rivalry unlike any other. For BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, Saturday’s clash with Utah isn’t just a game; it’s a reunion with the mentor who shaped his career and a test of the respectful but fierce competition he champions.
As Sitake joined Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff live from Provo, he provided a unique look into the personal connections that define one of college football’s most intense showdowns.
How Does Kalani Sitake’s Relationship With Kyle Whittingham Shape the BYU-Utah Rivalry?
Before leading BYU, Sitake spent a decade, from 2005 to 2014, working under Kyle Whittingham at Utah. During his tenure, he served as the linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach. This long-standing connection was a central topic when Sitake was asked about his former boss during the Big Noon Kickoff interview, and his response highlighted the deep bonds formed over the years.
“Tons of respect and love. And by the way, thank you for your contribution to the rivalry game yourself, Irvin,” Sitake said. “So I know you’re getting a little heat here, but we love you. And I’m thankful for my time up there with you and the friends and family that I’ve made up there that they’re still my friends and family to this day. It’s definitely about respect and love.”
The BYU coach emphasized that although the competition is fierce, the relationships between the coaching staffs extend far beyond the football field. Sitake was instrumental in helping Whittingham guide Utah’s transition from the Mountain West to the Pac-12. This experience gave him valuable insight when BYU later jumped to the Big 12.
Kalani Sitake joins Big Noon Kickoff LIVE from Provo 🙌
The @BYUfootball Head Coach joins the crew to discuss today’s matchup vs Utah ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TYOKbxVGKL
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) October 18, 2025
Despite the rivalry’s competitive fire, Sitake acknowledged his deep admiration for the Utah coaching staff, making it clear that coaches are not the ones physically competing. Instead, their primary role is to prepare their players for success. Sitake has consistently communicated this philosophy of mutual respect throughout his time at BYU. He has acknowledged that while passionate intensity defines the matchup, the rivalry should be conducted with significant respect from both sides.
That respect from prominent figures in the sport extends beyond just Whittingham. Urban Meyer, who coached Utah from 2003 to 2004 before Whittingham took over, also appeared on Big Noon Kickoff and praised Sitake during Friday’s broadcast.
“Kalani’s become a friend, too. He came to visit me a few times when I was in Florida,” Meyer said. “Love the guy. You know, the guy’s a great football coach. I didn’t realize they were 17-2 in the last 19 games. This one of the top programs in college football.”
Adding to the drama, Saturday’s matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium marks the first time both teams have entered the rivalry game ranked since 2009, with No. 15 BYU hosting No. 23 Utah.
