Patrick Kinahan: Sitake no longer viewed as dancing fool

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SALT LAKE CITY — For three consecutive seasons, during which the BYU football team was a collective 18-21, Kalani Sitake's reputation as a player's coach was not viewed as a positive.

Critics said the Cougars lacked the toughness and discipline that Sitake was required to provide. Virtually universally beloved by friend and foe, the theory goes, the coach was too nice for a position that at times demands nastiness and accountability.

Based on the results from seasons two through four as a head coach, BYU gave the Sitake naysayers plenty of ammunition. The Cougars were either the epitome of average (7-6 in 2018-19) or downright pathetic (4-9 in 2017).

Hugs and handshakes make for good sportsmanship, but all the warmth does not replace the cold reality of lousy football. As usual in these cases, the boss takes the blame.

Truth is, BYU did stink during those years. Whatever the reasons, the rampant losing created the wrong perception of the lovable Sitake.

For sure, the former BYU fullback is a friend to all, the ultimate people-person willing to engage at the first smile. But nothing is wrong with mixing in a little fun with the work — on one condition, winning had better accompany the dancing.

And over the last two seasons, BYU has enjoyed incredible success. With three games left this season, including virtual locks against Idaho State and Georgia Southern, BYU has gone 18-3 dating back to last year.

Forget about becoming No More Mr. Nice Guy. The Sitake style is working just fine, thank you.

The difference now from those early years is startling, current players say. Maybe the coach just needed time to grow into his role of leading a diverse group that consists of more than 100 people.

"I remember when Kalani first came in as a brand new coach," said senior defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua. "He was like just, not winging it, but you could tell he was making adjustments every year. I feel like he's caught his stride in the last few years."

Hard to argue with the results, this much is certain. In addition to Sitake's maturity as a head coach, the program has greatly benefitted from an infusion of talent on the field and better coaching.

Aaron Roderick, who spent several years as a coordinator at Utah, brings a wealth of experience to the offense. Ilaisa Tuiaki is in his sixth season as the defensive coordinator, having come to BYU from Oregon State with Sitake.

Comparing Sitake to his predecessor Bronco Mendenhall, defensive back Jared Kapisi noted the camaraderie has improved significantly. Counting a two-year mission and receiving an extra year of eligibility due to COVID, Kapisi has been with the program since 2014.

"It's crazy to see how much the culture has shifted," Kapisi said. "Just seeing how the culture has shifted to the brotherhood that we have now, I feel like it's such a big difference."

The best-buddy stuff is nice and all, but any winning team needs talent, which was in short supply extending back into the later years of Mendenhall's 11 seasons as the coach. The NFL practically ignored BYU during the three-day draft until last spring, when five BYU players were taken in in the draft, with more on the way in the coming years.

Now that the program is finding success, all of Sitake's methods and sideline exuberance is viewed in a drastically improved light. Suddenly, being true to himself is in vogue.

But deep down, the man hasn't changed much. Really, only the results are different.

"Just piss me off and see what happens," he said during training camp before the 2018 season.

"I'm easy going, but stuff pisses me off, too. If something doesn't go well. I'm going to get mad. I'm a normal guy."

No problem – as long as BYU keeps winning.