Kalani Sitake Remains Head Coach at BYU Amid Penn State Interest

Kalani Sitake, the head coach of Brigham Young University (BYU), has decided to remain with the Cougars, rejecting an opportunity to take over as head coach at Penn State. This decision comes after a period of speculation regarding his candidacy for the Nittany Lions' coaching vacancy, which arose following the firing of James Franklin on October 12, 2025. Sitake has been at the helm of BYU since 2016, compiling an impressive record of 83-44, including back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2024 and 2025.

Kalani Sitake Will Reportedly Stay at BYU Amid Penn State InterestSports IllustratedBYU working to crumble Penn State's pursuit of Kalani SitakeBYU coach Kalani Sitake deflects question about Penn State: 'We're going to avoid all of the distractions'ESPNNewsweekYork Daily RecordKalani Sitake: Why PSU Should-- And Shouldn't-- Hire HimDeseret News

Penn State's search for a new head coach has been ongoing for over 50 days, with Sitake emerging as a primary target. Reports indicated that discussions between Sitake and Penn State officials had intensified, with mutual interest in a potential hire. However, BYU officials were equally determined to retain Sitake, viewing him as integral to the program's success, especially as the Cougars prepared for the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas Tech.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake deflects question about Penn State: 'We're going to avoid all of the distractions'KSTU - Salt Lake City NewsESPNDeseret NewsCBS SportsPenn State Rumors: BYU’s Kalani Sitake Emerges as Top Target in Nittany Lions Coaching SearchCBS SportsSports IllustratedBYU's Kalani Sitake not leaving for Penn State, ESPN college football insider confirms

In a statement, BYU athletic director Brian Santiago expressed gratitude for Sitake's commitment, stating, "He is a proven leader, and we are grateful he is once again choosing BYU." Sitake himself remarked, "I am humbled and full of gratitude for the outpouring of love from BYU fans... This is good for the stability and future of BYU football." His decision to stay is seen as a stabilizing factor for the program as it continues to build momentum in the Big 12.

ESPNKSL-TVSports IllustratedPSUPoorman’s Top 10 on Day 50 of the Penn State Coaching Search: Who Is Kalani Sitake?Kalani Sitake Will Reportedly Stay at BYU Amid Penn State InterestDeseret NewsBYU working to crumble Penn State's pursuit of Kalani Sitake

While Sitake's decision has been welcomed by BYU supporters, some Penn State fans expressed disappointment, feeling that the search for a high-profile coach has been prolonged and unproductive. Critics of the coaching search have pointed out that many candidates, including notable names like Mike Elko and Curt Cignetti, have signed extensions with their current teams, further narrowing Penn State's options.

Centre Daily Times

With Sitake opting to stay at BYU, Penn State must now pivot to identify other candidates to fill its head coaching vacancy. Potential alternatives include interim coach Terry Smith, who has expressed interest in the permanent position, and other candidates like Jeff Brohm from Louisville. The Nittany Lions are under pressure to finalize a hire soon, especially with the early signing period approaching.

Penn State Rumors: BYU’s Kalani Sitake Emerges as Top Target in Nittany Lions Coaching Search

Kalani Sitake's decision to remain at BYU underscores his commitment to the program and its future. As he leads the Cougars into the Big 12 Championship Game, the focus will be on securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Penn State's search for a new head coach continues, with the university facing a shrinking pool of candidates as the coaching carousel spins on.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake deflects question about Penn State: 'We're going to avoid all of the distractions'