# BUZZ: BYU’s Kalani Sitake a HOT COMMODITY—Top Programs Circling to Hire Him Amidst Resource Battle? | Inside Kelly Poppinga's 'Six Seconds of Havoc' | Miles Hall One-on-One

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/buzz-byu-s-kalani-sitake-a-hot-commodity-top-programs-circling-to-hire-him-amidst-resource-battle-inside-kelly-poppinga-s-six-seconds-of-havoc-miles-hall-one-on-one
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Podcast: [Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433)
Published: 2026-09-03T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/63a296/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6/episodes/2b9ae131-da9d-4544-b379-7cee24c143a2/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6&awEpisodeId=2b9ae131-da9d-4544-b379-7cee24c143a2&feed=DzohBBeS
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/episodes/buzz-byu-s-kalani-sitake-a-hot-commodity-top-programs-circling-to-hire-him-amidst-resource-battle-inside-kelly-poppinga-s-six-seconds-of-havoc-miles-hall-one-on-one
Duration seconds: 1780

## Resource

Kalani Sitake’s future at BYU remains the talk of college football as his coaching success attracts interest from programs the ilk of USC and Penn State. Fresh off a season highlighted by double-digit wins and an enhanced long-term deal, the BYU Cougars’ head coach finds himself in the national spotlight again—with major outlets wondering if his next move is coming sooner rather than later. Jake Hatch unpacks the latest Adam Rittenberg piece, exploring why Sitake’s West Coast ties, reputation as an elite recruiter, and proven results make him an appealing target for schools with bigger budgets and grander ambitions. Is BYU’s recent decision to have Sitake report to a university vice president instead of athletic director Brian Santiago fueling tension and speculation about his long-term commitment? With boosters stepping up to increase support and rumors swirling about resource allocation, Hatch questions whether the Cougars can keep their man or if the siren call of Big Ten riches—and programs eager to throw money and resources at their next coach—will prove too tempting. The podcast takes a closer look at BYU’s evolving defensive identity under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga. Poppinga introduces the “6 Seconds of Havoc” philosophy, explaining that the average play lasts just six seconds and he expects maximum disruption every snap. Hatch highlights how playmaking isn’t only about sacks—forcing turnovers, limiting gains on crucial first downs, and putting offenses under relentless pressure will define BYU’s defensive brand this year. As the Cougars open the season against FCS opponent Utah Tech, the coaching staff is demanding every player on the depth chart embrace the havoc mantra, regardless of experience or role. Hatch connects this renewed focus to BYU’s ambition…

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