Kalani Sitake staying at BYU as Penn States coaching search drags on

Published: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 12:14 am

BYU Coach Kalani Sitake Rejects Penn State, Signs Long-Term Extension

Provo, Utah – BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake has opted to remain with the Cougars, rejecting an offer from Penn State University. Multiple reports confirm Sitake's decision, solidifying his position at BYU, where he has been coaching since 2016. BYU officially announced Sitake's long-term contract extension on Tuesday night after he informed Penn State of his decision.

Athletic Director Brian Santiago expressed gratitude for Sitake's commitment, highlighting his leadership and the continuation of building a championship program. The new contract will see Sitake earn between $9 and $9.5 million annually, with BYU committing an additional $10 to $15 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

Sitake has a strong track record at BYU, with an 83-46 record during his tenure, including four seasons with double-digit wins. Sitake expressed his gratitude for the support from BYU fans and university leadership, emphasizing his excitement for the future of the program. He played four seasons as a fullback at BYU and has held various coaching positions before returning to the school. This season, BYU is currently ranked No. 11 and is in contention for a College Football Playoff spot, pending the outcome of Saturday's Big 12 title game against No. 5 Texas Tech.

Sitake's decision leaves Penn State still searching for a new head coach. The university fired James Franklin in mid-October after a 3-3 start, ending a 12-season partnership. Penn State has reportedly pursued several candidates, including Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, Nebraska's Matt Rhule, Indiana's Curt Cignetti, and Tennessee's Josh Heupel, among others. The coaching vacancy at Penn State is one of the last remaining major openings in college football.

BNN's Perspective:

Sitake's decision is a win for BYU and a setback for Penn State. While the Nittany Lions will continue their search, BYU secures a proven coach who has demonstrated success. This situation highlights the competitive landscape of college football coaching and the importance of stability for program success.

Keywords: Kalani Sitake, BYU, Penn State, coaching search, contract extension, football, college football, Big 12, NIL, James Franklin, Brian Santiago, Marcus Freeman, Matt Rhule, Josh Heupel, Curt Cignetti

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