In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the BYU Cougars football program, head coach Kalani Sitake has announced the resignation of Special Teams Coordinator Sam Vander Haar. Vander Haar, who had been with BYU for several seasons, made the decision to step down from his role, effective immediately. The resignation marks the end of Vander Haar’s tenure with the Cougars, and it raises questions about the future direction of BYU’s special teams unit.
Vander Haar, a seasoned coach with a strong background in special teams, was brought on by Sitake to bolster the team’s play in all aspects of special teams, from punt and kick coverage to field goals and returns. During his time at BYU, Vander Haar helped improve various facets of the team’s special teams play, though inconsistencies have been present in recent years. While his work helped provide stability in certain areas, the decision to part ways comes amidst growing pressure on the Cougars to perform at a higher level in all phases of the game.
In his time at BYU, Vander Haar was known for his high-energy coaching style and emphasis on discipline and execution. However, the program’s special teams performance has been a mixed bag over the years. While the Cougars have had standout individual performances, they have occasionally struggled with consistency, especially in critical moments such as kickoff and punt coverage, and the placekicking game. These issues, combined with heightened expectations from both the coaching staff and the fan base, likely played a role in Vander Haar’s decision to resign.
BYU’s coaching staff is now left to quickly evaluate how to address the special teams needs moving forward. The team will be looking for a replacement who can step in immediately and bring fresh ideas and a renewed focus to an area that has at times been a vulnerability for the program. It will be interesting to see how Coach Sitake and the athletic department move forward in their search for Vander Haar’s replacement, as they look to ensure the Cougars’ special teams unit plays a pivotal role in their success moving forward.
The timing of Vander Haar’s resignation leaves the Cougars with limited time to make adjustments ahead of the upcoming season. Given the significance of special teams in the modern game, BYU will need to act quickly to ensure the new coordinator can get up to speed before the Cougars kick off their next campaign. The program will undoubtedly be looking for someone who can not only solidify the special teams but also help elevate the team to a higher competitive standard.
In conclusion, Vander Haar’s resignation marks the end of an era in BYU’s special teams coaching staff. While his time with the Cougars featured both successes and struggles, his departure sets the stage for a new chapter in BYU’s football program. How the team handles this transition could have significant implications for their prospects in the seasons to come.
