Key Highlights
- BYU’s defensive coordinator Jay Hill is likely to join Kyle Whittingham at the University of Michigan.
- This move could significantly impact BYU’s defense and offensive staff.
- Bruce Feldman reported that USC’s defensive line coach Shaun Nua might also be a candidate for replacing Hill.
- BYU head coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged the possibility but remains optimistic about his current team’s future.
The Departure of Jay Hill and Its Implications
BYO football is facing a major coaching change as it is reported that defensive coordinator Jay Hill will be joining former head coach Kyle Whittingham at the University of Michigan. This move could significantly impact BYU’s defense and offensive staff, particularly given Hill’s three-year tenure under Kalani Sitake.
Hill’s Departure and Its Effects
According to reports from The Athletic, former Utah defensive line coach Shaun Nua is among the candidates to replace Jay Hill as BYU’s defensive coordinator. Nua has strong ties with Sitake, which could make him a likely choice for the position if Whittingham brings Hill to Michigan.
Bruce Feldman’s Insight
Speaking on this potential change, Kalani Sitake seemed resigned but optimistic about his current team’s future. “I think Jay is going to make his own statements on what he is going to do,” Sitake said, acknowledging the probability of Hill joining Whittingham at Michigan.
The Financial and Strategic Implications
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake recently received a long-term contract extension and pay raise, which might have contributed to Hill’s decision. However, the financial gap between BYU and Michigan for Hill’s services is significant. According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan’s defensive coordinator Wink Martindale made $2.5 million in 2025 and was scheduled to make $2.7 million in 2026 under a three-year deal.
Opportunities at Michigan
Michigan has also been rumored to consider other BYU coaches, including cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford and special teams coordinator Kelly Poppinga. Additionally, there are speculations that if Whittingham brings first-year Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck with him from Salt Lake City, new Utes coach Morgan Scalley might pursue BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.
BYU’s Preparedness for Change
Bruce Feldman noted that BYU is prepared to handle various scenarios. “Whittingham has a network he goes to for putting together staff, and that is how football works,” Sitake said. BYU will likely continue with their current staff if Hill departs.
Future Prospects
Bruce Feldman also mentioned the possibility of Sitake running some defensive plays himself in 2026 if a suitable replacement cannot be found immediately. This could be seen as a long-term solution, given Sitake’s expertise and experience from his tenure at Utah.
Conclusion
The departure of Jay Hill to Michigan marks a significant shift for BYU football. The team will have to adapt to the loss of a key defensive coordinator while remaining optimistic about their future under head coach Kalani Sitake’s leadership. As the coaching landscape continues to evolve, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes play out in the upcoming seasons.
