Kalani Sitake on Kyle Whittingham: “He’s One of the Few Who Deserve the Hall at Both BYU and Utah”
PROVO - Kalani Sitake knows the rivalry between BYU and Utah better than most. He’s lived it from every angle - as a fan, a player, an assistant coach, and now as the head man in Provo.
But when it comes to Kyle Whittingham, Sitake doesn’t see red or blue. He sees a legacy that transcends rivalry lines.
Sitake remembers watching Whittingham play middle linebacker for BYU back in the day at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Years later, he worked under Whittingham as Utah’s defensive coordinator. And now, after years of going toe-to-toe as opposing head coaches, Sitake believes it’s time for Whittingham to be honored in a way that reflects his full football journey in the state of Utah.
“He’s done some amazing things for football in this state,” Sitake said. “He’s probably one of the few guys that can be in the Hall of Fame at both schools.
He played for BYU. And with his playing days, he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
If there’s anyone that deserves that attention [at both schools], it’s him.”
That’s no small statement, especially considering the deep-rooted rivalry between the Cougars and Utes. But Whittingham’s impact is hard to ignore.
He’s spent over two decades leading Utah’s program, crafting a reputation for toughness, consistency, and defensive excellence. And while he once said he wouldn’t coach past 65, he’s now 66 and still hasn’t closed the door.
The clock is ticking, though. Whittingham is expected to inform the University of Utah within the next week whether he’ll return for another season.
After a 5-7 finish in Utah’s first Big 12 campaign in 2024, he opted to come back. Now, after a bounce-back 10-2 season and a bowl game on the horizon, the decision looms once again.
Sitake isn’t making any predictions.
“He’s always been a friend, and that’s always going to be there,” he said. “You know, [Utes coach in waiting] Morgan Scalley is a friend of mine too.
So I can’t really speak on what they have going on there. But they’ve had a great year.”
And if Whittingham does decide to step away? Sitake doesn’t think he’ll stray far from the game.
“I know that if he decides that it’s time for him to hang it up, he’s going to do something with football,” Sitake said. “He just can’t help it. There’s people like myself, and a lot of guys on our coaching staff, that would not be where we are without him.”
That’s the kind of impact Whittingham has had - not just on Utah’s program, but across the state and beyond. He’s helped shape careers, build programs, and elevate the profile of football in the region.
And while Sitake joked that Whittingham’s golf game is ready for retirement - and that he’s always got skiing and his Harley collection to fall back on - he’s not convinced we’ve seen the last of him on the sidelines.
“He’s much better at golf now, and I know he’s always going to ski,” Sitake said with a grin. “He’s got a couple of Harleys he likes to ride around. But I just can’t imagine him not being around football.”
Whether Whittingham returns for another run or decides to ride off into the sunset, one thing is clear: his legacy is secure. And in Sitake’s eyes, that legacy deserves to be enshrined on both sides of the state’s most storied rivalry.