BYU Cougars Football Athletic Director Who is also American college athletics administrator and former football Player And Coach Issued a Powerful And Personal Letter To Head Coach Kalani Sitake Concerning…
In an unexpected and deeply personal move, BYU Cougars Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, a respected figure in American college athletics and a former football player and coach himself, issued a heartfelt letter to Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake earlier this week. The letter, which has since been shared publicly with the BYU community and media outlets, speaks to the evolving challenges of college athletics—and the powerful mission of the BYU football program.
Holmoe, who has led BYU Athletics since 2005 and was a national champion defensive back at BYU before playing in the NFL and later coaching at the collegiate level, opened the letter with a sincere tone of gratitude and brotherhood.
“Kalani, I’ve walked the same sidelines, felt the same pressure, and carried the same hopes. I know the weight you bear. But I also know the light you bring,” Holmoe wrote.
The letter addresses more than just football. It dives into culture, leadership, and faith, affirming the unique place BYU holds in the world of college sports. Coming off a challenging 2024 season in the Big 12 Conference, where the Cougars faced tough competition and ended with a 6–7 record, Holmoe’s letter reframes the definition of success at BYU.
“This program is bigger than wins. It’s about purpose. It’s about who we become in the process—how we uplift, serve, and lead,” he continued.
Support in the Face of Pressure
The public nature of the letter comes as both a show of support and a statement of values at a time when head coaches across the NCAA are under increasing scrutiny. Sitake, who has led the Cougars since 2016 and is BYU’s first Tongan head coach, is widely respected for his player-first leadership style and spiritual guidance.
The letter acknowledges the intense pressure facing college coaches in today’s era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, conference realignments, and elevated expectations.
“You are coaching in a time of enormous change. But you haven’t changed. Your consistency in spirit, humility, and love for these young men—that’s what I admire most,” Holmoe wrote. “Stay true to that.”
Sources within BYU Athletics confirm that the letter was originally written as a private message but was later published at Sitake’s request, with his belief that the message could uplift not only the coaching staff but also student-athletes and fans who have stood by the team through its ups and downs.
Faith at the Center
True to BYU’s roots as a faith-based institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Holmoe centered the letter on the spiritual foundation of the program.
“We teach our players to play with honor, with courage, and with grace,” Holmoe wrote. “That doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard. But it echoes through generations.”
The letter included references to former players who have gone on to become community leaders, missionaries, fathers, and professionals across various fields. Holmoe stressed that Sitake’s influence, both on and off the field, continues to leave a legacy far greater than what happens on Saturdays.
“I’ve seen the boys who walk in at 18 and leave at 22 as men of principle and vision. That’s your real record, Kalani. And it’s one you should be proud of.”
Community and Player Reaction
Within hours of the letter’s release, it sparked an outpouring of support on social media from fans, alumni, and current players.
Former BYU quarterback Jaren Hall tweeted: “Coach Sitake helped me grow not just as a player, but as a man. This letter from Tom Holmoe is exactly what makes BYU different.”
Current wide receiver Darius Lassiter reposted the letter on Instagram, adding: “This is why I came to Provo. Real leaders. Real family.”
Even rival coaches and athletic directors commented on the strength of Holmoe’s words, with Utah Athletic Director Mark Harlan stating, “In a landscape often defined by pressure and politics, this is a refreshing reminder of the human side of college sports.”
Looking Forward
As BYU prepares for its upcoming 2025 season in the Big 12, both Holmoe and Sitake emphasized a renewed focus on development, identity, and purpose. Despite the pressures of big-time college football, the message from the top is clear: stay the course.
The Cougars will open the 2025 season at home against Arizona State, and anticipation is already building—not just for the on-field action, but for what the program stands for beyond the game.
Holmoe closed the letter with a line that has already begun circulating around campus and locker rooms:
“Keep building. Not just a team—but a legacy.”
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