The Whittingham Era Ends — And BYU’s Moment Begins

Sitake and Whittingham meet after game on October 18, 2025 at BYU. Photo courtesy of Icon Sportswire.

Commentary / Utah Sports Ink Staff Writer

Let’s be honest: Kyle Whittingham was a nightmare for BYU. His teams were physical, disciplined, and seemed to take extra pleasure in tormenting the Cougars. His departure marks the end of a dynasty that, frankly, we are ready to see go.

But while Salt Lake City is looking back at the past, Provo is looking squarely at the future.

Look at the landscape right now. BYU is 10-2, fresh off a massive season in the Big 12, and headed to a prime bowl game against Georgia Tech. We have a quarterback room that is the envy of the conference and a defense that has finally found its teeth. Meanwhile, Utah is entering the dreaded "transition year."

History tells us that replacing a legend is nearly impossible (just ask post-LaVell BYU). While Morgan Scalley is a fiery coach, he is unproven as the head man. The stability that gave Utah the edge for 20 years is gone.

Suddenly, Kalani Sitake—a Whittingham disciple himself—is the "Dean" of coaches in Utah. He has the culture, the momentum, and the recruiting pitch. For the first time in a long time, the path to being the undisputed football king of Utah runs through Provo, not Salt Lake.

The Whittingham Era is over. The Sitake Era is hitting its prime.

Cougar Nation, it’s our turn.

Utah Sports Ink asked two staff writers—one a Utah supporter, one a BYU fan—to offer their perspectives on Whittingham’s departure. Rivalry aside, both recognize the end of a defining era.