In a surprising and heartfelt move that has caught the attention of the college football world, former BYU and NFL head coach Bronco Mendenhall, now serving as an on-air contributor and brand strategist at ESPN Madison WTLX, sent a powerful and emotional message to current BYU Football NFL Head Coach Kalani Sitake.
While appearing on a live segment during ESPN Madison’s midday sports broadcast, Mendenhall — known for his no-nonsense coaching style and deep connection to the BYU football program — paused to reflect on the current state of the Cougars and the direction Sitake is leading them.
“Kalani, I’m proud of what you’ve done,” Mendenhall said with visible emotion. “This isn’t just about wins and losses. You’ve carried the legacy forward in a way that honors the spirit, the culture, and the mission of BYU Football. What you’re building — it matters.”
Sources close to ESPN Madison confirm that Mendenhall’s remarks were unscripted and came from a place of genuine admiration. The message is being widely shared across sports media platforms, especially as it marks one of the few public endorsements Mendenhall has made since stepping away from coaching and shifting into broadcasting and branding roles.
This moment is particularly notable given the sometimes strained history between former coaches and their successors. However, in this case, Mendenhall’s remarks appeared to bridge generations and philosophies, reminding fans and players alike of the shared purpose behind BYU football’s tradition of excellence — both on and off the field.
A Legacy of Leadership
Bronco Mendenhall coached BYU from 2005 to 2015, compiling a record of 99-43 and establishing a reputation for discipline and accountability. He later took the helm at the University of Virginia before stepping away from coaching in 2021.
Kalani Sitake, a former player under LaVell Edwards and an assistant under Mendenhall, took over BYU in 2016. Under his leadership, the Cougars have consistently remained competitive, securing multiple top-25 finishes and transitioning into the Big 12 with strong performances.
The Reaction
Social media platforms lit up following the broadcast, with former players, analysts, and fans praising Mendenhall for his humility and grace.
“That’s class. That’s leadership. That’s BYU,” tweeted ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.
“Bronco Mendenhall just showed why he’s still one of the most respected minds in football,” added former Cougar quarterback and current analyst John Beck.
As for Sitake, sources close to BYU say he was “deeply touched” by the message and may respond during his upcoming press conference ahead of BYU’s season opener.
