So much of the business of coaching is predicated on relationships. Between staffs turning over, rosters changing, and the ever-evolving landscape of college football, having contacts in the business isn’t just a nice to have, it’s must. But beyond having people you can call for tips and tricks, help evaluating a prospect in the transfer portal, or ideas about a new drill for practice, having a friend in the coaching business is special, and that’s exactly what Arizona head coach Brent Brennan and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales have in BYU head coach Kalani Sitake.
“Kalani’s one of my favorite people in this profession. [I have] a lot of respect for him,” said Brennan.
That relationship and respect didn’t just come from watching one another from opposite sidelines the past three seasons. The two worked together at Oregon State in 2015. Brennan, who was entering his fifth season as the wide receivers coach at the time, helped then-new defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Sitake adjust to life in the Pacific Northwest.
“When he came to Corvallis, I was the only guy on the staff that was a holdover coach. I was retained by Coach [Gary] Andersen. He asked me where to live and he moved into our neighborhood, so they lived five houses away.”
During that season in Corvallis, it wasn’t just Brennan and Sitake that forged a special bond, but their families too. Over a decade later, Brennan says he and Sitake’s kids may be all grown up, and the two families may not see each other as often any more, but it hasn’t changed his memories of that special season in Oregon.
“Our kids ran around the neighborhood together, which was so fun. All of our kids are grown up now. 10 years, a lot changes, but it was really, really a fun time,” said Brennan reminiscing during a press conference on Monday. “Just spending time with him and his family. He’s got an incredible family. His wife Timberly’s amazing.”
“Our kids [would] just run into the house at midnight and eat all the ice cream out of our fridge, and then run over to Kalani’s and find out the kind of junk food they have on the shelf,” said Brennan smiling. “We just had a lot of fun together, and so I definitely think fondly on those times, and it’s been fun to get to compete against him the last few years.”
Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales has never been on the same staff as Sitake, but his relationship with the Cougars’ head coach dates back to 2003, long before the Brennan’s and Sitake’s were neighbors. While BYU and New Mexico were members of the Mountain West, the programs’ staffs used to get together annually for an assistant coaches-only golf tournament.
Oct. 11, 2025.
Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Athletics
“I’ve known Kalani since 2003. I think he’s an unbelievable football coach. In 2003, the old Mountain West, it was a great league – BYU, Utah, TCU, New Mexico – we used to have an assistant coaches-only golf tournament and I got to ride around in a golf cart with Kalani Sitake when I met him for the first time. Unbelievable dude. Unbelievable. I love Kalani. I think [he’s] a phenomenal football coach. He’s a phenomenal person. He’s fun to hang out with.”
If you’ve ever been around Danny Gonzales, or even just tuned into one of his press conferences, you’ll know the competitive edge he attacks life with. Whether it’s preparing for a game, playing Uno or Old Maid during family game night, or golfing with Kalani Sitake nearly a quarter-century ago, Gonzales always has the same objective. Win.
“He’s fun to play golf with. I’ll whoop his tail in golf, but he’s fun to play golf with. I’ve known him for 23-24 years. So, I’m excited as hell to go play this game up in Provo.”
The two sides understand what’s at stake on Saturday. A win would be huge for both teams in their hunt for a Big 12 title and a CFP bid. BYU has gotten the best of Arizona in recent years. But both of Arizona’s ranked wins under Brent Brennan have come on the road.
Despite all of that, and the budding rivalry between the Wildcats and Cougars over the past three seasons as Big 12 foes, Saturday is shaping up to be a special reunion for Brent Brennan, Danny Gonzales, and Kalani Sitake at LaVell Edwards Stadium.