BYU’s defensive coaching room has some new faces, and early signs suggest the Cougars may have struck gold.
With spring practices just around the corner, the program wasted no time getting new hires DeMario Warren and Lewis Walker into the mix. And according to associate head coach Sione Po’uha, both coaches are already making a strong impression-not just with their fellow staffers, but more importantly, with the players they’ll be mentoring.
“We had a little film session this morning,” Po’uha said, “and just to see the depth and views of both of those coaches-it brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience to the defensive staff. But the most important part is how they’re connecting with the players.”
Warren, initially brought in as the cornerbacks coach and defensive passing game coordinator, has shifted to coaching safeties while keeping his coordinating duties. That move came after BYU added Walker, who will now lead the cornerbacks group. Walker arrives from North Dakota State, where he held the same role.
What’s striking early on is how seamlessly both coaches have integrated into the program. Po’uha pointed to the players’ reactions as proof that the hires are already paying dividends.
“You talk to the players, and they respond really, really well to both coaches,” he said. “I’m excited to see them take their rooms and run with it.
Their perspective and depth of knowledge have been enlightening-not just for the staff, but especially for the players. They’re fired up.”
Linebackers coach and newly appointed special teams coordinator Justin Ena echoed that sentiment-particularly when it comes to Warren, someone he knows well. The two coached together for six years at Southern Utah, and Ena didn’t hold back in his praise.
“I could talk about DeMario Warren all day,” Ena said. “He’s a great football coach, a brilliant defensive back mind, and honestly, one of the best human beings I’ve ever been around.
I consider him a brother. The guys have an incredible mentor in him.
I think we got the best of the best, and he’s going to help us a ton defensively.”
Warren, for his part, made it clear that BYU’s culture was the main draw. The opportunity to reunite with former colleagues like Ena and new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga-whom he worked with at Boise State-was a bonus. But ultimately, it was head coach Kalani Sitake’s vision that sealed the deal.
“Culture Kalani has built-it was something my wife and I felt like we couldn’t pass up,” Warren said. “They’ve been winning games, sure, but when you talk to people in the building, the way they treat people, the family environment-it’s something special. I’ve seen it from afar for a long time, and now we get to be a part of it.”
Walker shared a similar perspective. A Utah native who played both high school and college football in the state, he’s long been familiar with BYU’s presence and coaching culture-even if he hasn’t worked directly with many on staff.
“For me, it was the community,” Walker said. “I’ve known a lot of the guys from my playing days, and just like DeMario said, it’s that family atmosphere.
Kalani creates a space where everyone has time for their family, and that means a lot. I’ve known about it for a while, and getting the chance to step into this level-it was a great opportunity.”
The real work begins soon, with spring practices set to kick off in about a month. But so far, BYU’s two newest defensive coaches are checking all the right boxes.
They’ve brought energy, experience, and a strong sense of connection-both with the coaching staff and the players they’re here to develop. If early impressions hold true, the Cougars’ defense is in good hands.