I’ve noticed a lot of things circulating over the past few days, including conjecture, criticism, and a lot of loud voices online asserting that our staff is divided behind closed doors, that players are dissatisfied, or that there is discontent inside our program. I want to speak directly to those. As head coach, I have a responsibility to speak honestly and plainly to our players, supporters, and the whole BYU community.
First and foremost, the things you may be reading about purported internal conflicts, purported discontent, and staff drama are all false. They originate from rumors, are magnified by clicks and shares, and are then repeated until they seem true. To be clear, there is no internal disagreement of the kind that is being discussed. Our employees stand united. Our players are still unified. Our sole objective is to work hard, get better every day, and compete at a high level.
Social media has grown to be a strong platform, both positively and negatively. It has the power to raise voices, bring people together, and create excitement. However, it may also quickly propagate hostility, exaggerate murmurs, and falsify information. Some of the content available presents questions as “inside knowledge,” exaggerates remarks, and overlooks context. We don’t work like that. Respect, communication, and trust are the cornerstones of our team. We don’t believe rumors, especially ones that are unfounded.
To our supporters, who have helped us through arduous training, difficult defeats, and exhilarating triumphs, I want you to know how much your confidence and support mean to us. I’ve heard your shouts, witnessed your enthusiasm on game days, and felt your faith inspire our players. Nothing is going on behind the scenes that compromises our commitment or togetherness, I assure you. When a genuine problem does occur, we will deal with it jointly in an honest and transparent manner. But not by hearsay on social media or insinuation.
I advise all players, both present and future, to maintain their focus, humility, and unity with one another. Noise from outside our locker room should not divert your attention. Hold fast to what really counts: our daily labor, our mission, and our ideals.
Discipline, respect, religion, and collaboration were the cornerstones of our curriculum. That base is still solid. We have a cohesive staff. Our athletes are dedicated. And we have a very clear vision for BYU football.
I therefore implore everybody who is reading rumors to stop, think about it, and ask themselves: do you have solid proof, or are you just repeating what you heard in a comment or post? Let’s concentrate on what we know: we are ready to compete, we are a team, and we are prepared.
We are grateful to all of our supporters, whether they have joined our adventure recently or have been with us since the beginning. We are elevated by your belief in us. Together, let’s advance, rooted in reality, united, and dedicated to the task at hand.
― Kalani Sitake, coach