Kalani Sitake Emerges as Leading Candidate in Penn State Coaching Search, But No Deal Yet
As the college football world zeroes in on championship weekend, one of the biggest storylines brewing off the field is unfolding in State College - and it has BYU head coach Kalani Sitake squarely in the spotlight.
Over the past few days, rumors surrounding Sitake’s potential move to Penn State have shifted from vague whispers to serious conversations. What started as speculation over the weekend gained real traction Monday evening, as multiple national outlets confirmed that Sitake is now Penn State’s top target to fill its head coaching vacancy.
Let’s be clear - no deal is done. But the conversations are happening, and they’ve been described as “extensive” between Sitake and Penn State’s leadership. That’s not smoke - that’s the early stages of a potential hire with real momentum.
Sitake’s Measured Response Amid Big 12 Title Prep
Sitake didn’t exactly slam the door on the rumors during his Monday morning press conference, which was primarily meant to promote BYU’s upcoming Big 12 Championship clash with Texas Tech. Instead, he kept the focus on the game, brushing aside questions about his future without denying the reports outright. It was a classic coach-in-the-moment response - keep the attention on the team, even as the coaching carousel spins faster by the hour.
And make no mistake, the timing here adds another layer of intrigue. BYU is preparing for one of the biggest games in program history, while its head coach is being courted by one of the most high-profile programs in the Big Ten. That’s a tough balancing act, but Sitake has been around long enough to know how to navigate it.
Penn State’s Pitch: Big Budget, Big Vision
According to reports from On3, Penn State isn’t just interested - they’re serious. The Nittany Lions have reportedly made it clear they’re willing to offer a lucrative salary pool, not just for Sitake but for his staff as well. That includes defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who has played a key role in BYU’s recent success and could be part of the package if Sitake makes the jump.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that both sides have already met and that there’s “mutual interest.” Discussions have included staffing plans and what Sitake’s tenure in Happy Valley could look like from a structural standpoint.
But again, no agreement has been finalized. There are still steps to go before anything becomes official.
NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach echoed the sentiment, confirming that Sitake is the focus of Penn State’s search, but that no deal is in place at this stage.
Sitake the Frontrunner - and Possibly the Only One
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic added another layer to the story, reporting that Sitake is not just a top candidate - he’s the only name that’s gained real traction over the past week. According to a source familiar with the search, Sitake is part of a small group of finalists, but he’s clearly emerged as the frontrunner.
Penn State has been without a head coach since firing James Franklin back on October 12. Since then, the program has been methodically working through its options. Now, with the regular season wrapped and bowl season approaching, the urgency to land their next leader is ramping up.
What Comes Next
For now, Sitake’s focus - at least publicly - remains on BYU and the Big 12 title game. But behind the scenes, the talks with Penn State are very real.
Whether they result in a deal this week, next week, or at all, remains to be seen. But the groundwork is being laid.
If Sitake does ultimately head to State College, it would mark a major shift - both for BYU, which would lose a coach who’s been central to its rise, and for Penn State, which would be betting on a leader known for culture-building, player development, and a steady hand in high-pressure situations.
This story is far from over. But as of now, Kalani Sitake is the name to watch in one of the biggest coaching searches in college football.