Kelly Poppinga takes over as BYU's defensive coordinator
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 7:33 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Kelly Poppinga has been named defensive coordinator for BYU, effective for the 2026 season. He steps in after Jay Hill's departure to Michigan. Poppinga previously served as the special teams coordinator and co-defensive coordinator at Virginia. He is set to implement a defensive scheme influenced by coaches he has worked with, including Hill and Bronco Mendenhall. Fall camp begins this week, with early commitments from three cornerbacks indicating promising recruiting progress.
- •Poppinga previously worked as special teams coordinator at BYU.
- •He replaces Jay Hill, who left for Michigan.
- •Fall practice sessions are set to begin this week.
- •BYU received commitments from three major cornerback recruits.
- •Poppinga aims to blend coaching styles from Hill and Mendenhall.
- 7:33 PMYahoo Sports — Kelly Poppinga takes reins of BYU defense drawing on past experience
"The Cougars’ new defensive coordinator is quick to point to the coaches he’s worked with who helped shape him.
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