BYU Faces a Defining Offseason as Jay Hill Eyes Michigan, LJ Martin Weighs NFL Decision
By [Your Name], Sports Journalist
ORLANDO - Kalani Sitake knows the drill. When your program starts winning big, people start circling. And after a two-year stretch that saw BYU notch 22 wins, reach the Big 12 title game, and hover near the College Football Playoff conversation, the Cougars’ head coach is bracing for change - possibly starting with one of his most trusted lieutenants.
Jay Hill, BYU’s defensive coordinator and a major force behind the Cougars’ recent surge, is rumored to be a top target for newly hired Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham. If the move happens, Hill would land one of the most coveted coordinator jobs in college football - and potentially take a big step toward a future head coaching gig.
“It’s difficult when you’re the head coach and you’re trying to keep things going,” Sitake said this week. “I think if you have a lot of coaches doing great things, people are going to want them.”
That’s the reality of building a successful program: produce results, and your staff becomes a hot commodity. Sitake’s mentor, LaVell Edwards, went through it too. His coaching tree includes names like Mike Holmgren, Norm Chow, and Andy Reid - legends who all got their start in Provo.
“That’s college football, really,” Sitake said.
But this isn’t just another offseason. This is a pivotal moment for BYU. With Hill potentially on his way out and key roster decisions looming, Sitake is entering what could be the most consequential stretch of his tenure since joining the Big 12.
Jay Hill’s Impact - And the Void He Could Leave
Hill has been more than just a defensive coordinator. He’s been a program-changer.
Since arriving in Provo, Hill helped flip the script in-state. Utah had long dominated local recruiting, but Hill made BYU a serious player again.
He landed top-tier talent like Faletau Satuala and Keanu Tanuvasa - both of whom were once leaning toward the Utes. This year, BYU landed a top-25 recruiting class and secured five of the top 10 recruits in Utah.
That kind of momentum doesn’t happen by accident.
“Jay Hill,” Satuala said when asked why he chose BYU over Utah. It was that simple.
Hill’s influence stretched beyond recruiting. On the field, BYU’s defense took a noticeable step forward under his leadership. His presence gave the Cougars a toughness and identity they’d been missing - and if he leaves, Sitake has a major decision to make.
Internal Options or Outside Hire?
So, what now? Sitake could look inward - and there are a few names that make sense.
Special teams coordinator Kelly Poppinga has coordinator experience from his time under Bronco Mendenhall at Virginia. He knows the system, knows the players, and has already earned trust inside the building.
Then there’s Jernaro Gilford, arguably the best position coach on staff. He’s been guiding BYU’s secondary for nearly a decade and was the only defensive coach Hill kept when he took over.
Both would offer continuity. But Sitake could also go outside the BYU tree, just like he did with Hill. That kind of hire might be harder to find - Hill brought a rare mix of head coaching experience and deep ties to Whittingham’s defensive philosophy - but with BYU’s increased resources, the job is more attractive than ever.
Sitake knows the stakes.
“I feel really good about what we have going here,” he said. “Jay is a big part of what we have done defensively for the last two years.”
LJ Martin’s NFL Decision Looms Large
While the staff situation plays out, Sitake also has to navigate some major roster questions - starting with his star running back.
LJ Martin, BYU’s top offensive weapon, is weighing a return to Provo or a jump to the NFL. After a season where he rushed for 1,300 yards on more than 200 carries, he’s earned the right to consider both.
“I hope he comes back,” Sitake said. “I think his decision is the NFL or come back with us for his senior year.”
Martin sat out the Pop-Tarts Bowl to undergo shoulder surgery, and his absence was felt. BYU cycled through backs trying to find a spark.
Enoch Nawahine barely cracked 30 yards. Jovesa Damuni, who had been talked up by offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, did punch in the game-sealing touchdown late - but finished with under 50 yards.
The Cougars’ lack of depth at running back was a season-long issue. When Martin played hurt against Texas Tech, the offense sputtered.
If BYU wants to close the gap on the Red Raiders - who are shaping up to be a major Big 12 contender next year - they’ll need Martin back. And they’ll need reinforcements behind him.
Roster Turnover and Portal Watch
The offseason isn’t just about the NFL Draft - the transfer portal looms large, too.
If Hill heads to Michigan, could he take some of BYU’s defensive talent with him? Linebacker Isaiah Glasker, who earned defensive play of the game honors in the Alamo Bowl, would be a name to watch. So would Satuala, Hill’s prized recruit.
BYU is already set to lose linebacker Jack Kelly to graduation, and safety Tanner Wall is on his way out as well. That’s a lot of leadership and production walking out the door.
On offense, the Cougars will likely need to add a wide receiver. Chase Roberts is done, and the receiver room lacked true explosion this season.
Parker Kingston could emerge as the top target, but he hasn’t proven to be a consistent deep threat. JoJo Phillips was expected to take a step forward but battled injuries all year.
If BYU wants to keep pace in a conference loaded with talent - especially a Texas Tech squad that boasts elite receivers and one of the best defensive lines in the country - they’ll need to hit the portal hard.
The Build Begins
The good news? Sitake finally has the resources he’s been asking for.
A long-term deal brought with it a bigger budget for assistants and support staff. BYU is investing in football like never before.
Now it’s about making the right moves - on the sideline and in the locker room.
The Cougars have momentum. They’ve proven they can hang in the Big 12. But the next step - becoming a true playoff contender - will require a strong offseason.
And it starts right now.