Based on the available search results, there is no information confirming the “Breaking News” headline that BYU has dropped a “Bombshell” by revealing a new head coach. In fact, all recent reporting confirms that Kalani Sitake remains the head coach of the BYU Cougars.
Here is the most current news regarding BYU’s football program, focusing on the significant coaching staff changes that occurred earlier this year.
### No Change at the Top: Sitake Remains Head Coach
Contrary to the hypothetical headline, Kalani Sitake is firmly entrenched as the program’s leader. He recently signed a long-term extension and is preparing for his 11th season at his alma mater . The “bombshell” developments for BYU football in 2026 have not been about replacing Sitake, but rather about him retooling his staff after a key departure.
### The Defensive Coordinator Transition
The most significant coaching news came on January 1, 2026, when defensive coordinator Jay Hill departed to take the same position at the University of Michigan, joining the staff of head coach Kyle Whittingham . Hill had been a crucial part of BYU’s recent success, which includes 23 wins over the past two seasons and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory .
In response, Coach Sitake moved quickly to fill the void, officially announcing a restructured defensive staff in early February .
### The New Defensive Leadership
Rather than hiring an external candidate for the coordinator role, Sitake promoted from within. The new defensive coordinator is **Kelly Poppinga**, a former BYU player and the team’s former special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach .
The rest of the new defensive staff for the 2026 season is structured as follows :
– **Lewis Walker:** Cornerbacks Coach (hired from North Dakota State).
– **Chad Kauha’aha’a:** Outside Linebackers Coach (promoted from defensive analyst).
– **Justin Ena:** Now the full-time Special Teams Coordinator.
– **Sione Po’uha:** Continues as Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line.
– **Demario Warren:** Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Safeties.
### Looking Ahead: Spring Practice and 2026 Outlook
With the new staff in place, BYU kicked off spring practices in late February and reached their midway point in mid-March . The team enters 2026 with high expectations, looking to build on back-to-back double-digit-win seasons. Coach Sitake has emphasized a “humble and hungry” approach as the team adapts to the coaching changes and integrates new talent, including returning quarterback Bear Bachmeier .
