BYU coach changes jersey stance after unfavorable reaction

Program values Tradition, Spirit and Honor will replace names on the backs of BYU uniforms. (George Frey/Getty Images)

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall replaced the last names on the backs of his players' jerseys with one of three words that adorn LaVell Edwards Stadium — Spirit, Tradition and Honor — according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Mendenhall initially said the changes were permanent and would be in place for every game as long as he was coach, but SI.com's Stewart Mandel tweeted Thursday night that Mendenhall had reversed his stance after meeting with his players and the uniform modifications would come into effect only during the annual Homecoming game.

The BYU players per the report, were caught by surprise and not totally receptive to the initial idea, with several declining comment on the matter.

"I am not really sure how I feel about them yet," star linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. "One thing I have enjoyed about playing here at BYU is having the last names on the backs of the jerseys."