Kalani Sitake staying at BYU as Penn State’s coaching search drags on

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake is sticking around Provo. 

Sitake spurned pursuit by Penn State to remain the Cougars’ coach, according to multiple reports, keeping him at the school he’s called home since 2016. 

BYU made Sitake’s long-term extension official on Tuesday night, after he informed Penn State he wouldn’t be taking the Nittany Lions job.

“He is a proven leader, and we are grateful he is once again choosing BYU,” athletic director Brian Santiago said. “His legacy of building a championship program the BYU way will continue on. He is one of the best people in the business. We are excited to continue to ride the wave of positive momentum with him.”

On3’s Pete Nakos added that Sitake will make about $9 to $9.5 million a year under his new contract extension and BYU will commit “$10 to $15 million of NIL on top of revenue sharing” as part of the deal.

Sitake has been one of the best coaches in the history of the program, going 83-46 during his tenure, which includes four double-digit win seasons. 

“I am humbled and full of gratitude for the outpouring of love from BYU fans and the trust and support provided to our football program by our university leadership,” Sitake said. “I’m thankful to President Shane Reese, Vice President Keith Vorkink and our Athletic Director Brian Santiago and his leadership team for the confidence they continue to place in me to lead our program and to take care of our players, coaches and staff. This is good for the stability and future of BYU football. I’m excited about our future.” 

He played four seasons as a fullback at BYU and made various coaching stops at the college level before returning to school nearly a decade ago. 

This season, No. 11 BYU is 11-1 and could secure a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over No. 5 Texas Tech in Saturday’s Big 12 title game. 

Sitake’s decision extends what’s already a lengthy coaching search for Penn State. 

After firing James Franklin in mid-October following a 3-3 start, ending a 12-season partnership, Penn State brass has reportedly set its eyes on various candidates, striking out each time. 

Franklin, who went 104-45 during his time in Happy Valley, later become the coach at Virginia Tech. 

Penn State was initially said to be targeting Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, and have since been linked to names like Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Tennessee’s Josh Heupel, among others. 

The opening is one of the last big jobs yet to be filled after LSU, Florida, Auburn and others all found new coaches.