LB Kayla Bruner with Hoki at Timpanogos High School against the Mile High Blaze. Photography by Lynn-Frick Dolan
by MICHAEL RAMOS
In the words of Beyonce, if U (of U) liked it then they should've put a ring on it.
But they didn't, and now football coach Kalani Sitake is leaving the University of Utah, heading to Oregon State University as their new defensive coordinator.
Though the decision was announced this week, many have argued the move began a long time ago, when the Utah Athletic Director didn't offer Coach Sitake an contract extension before the season began (making him a lame-duck coach). Throughout the season there has been grumbling that this slight by the U's AD helped lead to Sitake's departure.
Despite the distractions, the Running Utes' defense went out and did its thing, putting together a stellar season defensively. Even with an offense that was hard to watch sometimes, that defense was tough. And at the end of the season, when the university was ready to talk contracts, it was too late. Coaches Sitake and Ilaisa Tuiaki were signed, sealed and delivered to Corvallis, dealing a major blow to the U. I don't like it for selfish reasons, as I watch all the U games and study their defense.
But I get it, we all want to be wanted. It doesn't matter if you're a volunteer coach or getting paid big-boy money. Think of that one friend we all have. The one who calls us when all his/her other plans fall through. Do you always pick up the phone? If you're like me, you send the person straight to voicemail. Coach Sitake didn't turn his back on the program, he did the equivalent of hitting the "ignore" button in favor of OSU. The Beavers made Coach Sitake feel wanted, and now he's their DC. Good for him.
Thankfully, most U of U fans have been supportive.
The ones who are criticizing him for a lack of 'loyalty' are misguided. First off, loyalty to one's family supersedes employer loyalty. You've got to do what's best for your wife and kids. If he feels this is the best move for them, it doesn't matter what others say. I have been fortunate enough to coach many players. There has been more than one instance where a player has spoken to me about possibly leaving the team, for personal or work reasons. I have no problem telling a player to leave the team if it's going to better her relationship, if it's going to make her more money, or if I don't think she'll be happy playing football. There is another team in town, and we had a player leave us to play for them. I wished her well. Who am I to call her disloyal?
Secondarily, nobody ever uses the loyalty card when they want their team's head coach fired for losing. When a player starts to get old, or his production isn't what you thought it'd be, you sure as hell want him traded or cut. Where's the loyalty then? In fact, if we checked some fantasy football teams, I'd bet everything I own that loyalty to those rosters is out the window after Week 1.
There are a couple of reasons I'm excited for Coach Sitake. It's a huge gamble with potential for a huge payoff (and payday). If this Oregon State defense becomes anything like the Utes' defenses, steamrolling offenses and sending guys to the NFL, his stock will rise faster than it is now. That means he'll be closer to becoming a head football coach at a major program. Any time someone risks something in order to better themselves, I'm all in. (See LeBron James to Miami, and LeBron James back to Cleveland).
Second, that slap in the face by the Utes, that'd be hard for anyone to get over. Whenever we're made to feel unwelcome, it's not uncommon to pack up and head for the exit. You ever been passed over for that promotion that went to Bob, then Bob leaves the company, and then they offer it to you? If someone starts hitting on your friend, then settles for you, do you feel wanted then, or do you feel needed? There's a huge difference.
Much like Coach Sitake's move, the Utah Falconz were created because Hoki Jolley felt players should feel wanted. She felt football could be improved on in Utah. Hoki and the rest of the staff work hard to let players know they've got value which extends beyond what they do on the field. Players are not under contract, they can leave if they feel this is not the right situation for them. But overwhelmingly, the players know that we want them around.
In nearly every game this season, everyone of our 50+ women got in to games within the first quarter. We run to condition, not to punish. If they're injured, there is no pressure to get back on the field. That's kinda how we put a ring on it.
Here's to wishing Coaches Sitake and Tuiaki, their families and Oregon State nothing but success.
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