Kalani Sitake Addresses Penn State Rumors, Keeps BYU Focused on Big 12 Title Clash
As the college football coaching carousel spins into high gear, Kalani Sitake’s name has emerged as a notable one - this time in connection with the head coaching vacancy at Penn State. Multiple reports over the weekend listed Sitake as a potential candidate, with some betting markets even placing him among the favorites to land the job in Happy Valley.
Naturally, the rumors followed Sitake into Monday’s press conference as BYU gears up for a massive Big 12 Championship matchup against Texas Tech. While he didn’t directly address the Penn State speculation, Sitake didn’t shy away from the broader topic of coaching rumors and how they can impact a locker room.
“I have to address it,” Sitake said, acknowledging the reality of today’s hyper-connected world. “The world is small now and people can see stuff on social media and everything… So yeah, I’ll address it, but also, they’re used to me saying, ‘Hey, (coaching rumors are) a good sign that things are going well for us.’”
That’s a fair point - coaching buzz tends to follow success, and BYU’s 11-1 record heading into championship weekend is proof that Sitake’s program is trending in the right direction. But Sitake made it clear: this week isn’t about him. It’s about finishing the job.
“This isn’t about me,” he said. “What I’ve asked our team to do is to be focused on what we’re trying to accomplish.
There are marks of finishers, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to finish the season the right way.”
That finish comes in the form of a rematch with Texas Tech - a team that handed BYU its only loss of the season, a 29-7 defeat in Lubbock. This time, the stakes are higher. A win on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, would not only secure a Big 12 title, but also punch BYU’s ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Sitake knows the noise around his name is part of the territory, but he’s using it as fuel rather than a distraction.
“This is a great distraction to have, let’s be honest,” he said with a smile. “But right now we need to be focused on making sure that we’re giving our best shot in this game against Texas Tech.”
Beyond the field, Sitake has also taken on a larger role within BYU’s athletic department. Back in July, he was named a senior associate athletic director - a title that reflects the trust he’s built within the university.
“I think the role came because I have a great relationship with our president, our vice president, and our athletic director,” Sitake said. “So the relationships have been amazing for me… I don’t know if I bring much to the table other than my perspective and the effort that I can give.”
That humility is classic Sitake - a coach who leads with connection and culture, not just X’s and O’s. And while his name might be swirling in national coaching rumors, he made it clear he feels valued at BYU.
When asked if he was satisfied with how he and his staff have been treated financially, Sitake cracked a joke that drew some laughter.
“I mean, I’ve gained weight. You can tell,” he said.
“I’m living a good life. And then the more Joey (McGuire) buys dinner for me, the better my life will get.”
Light-hearted moments aside, Sitake’s focus - and his team’s - is locked in on Saturday’s showdown. BYU has a shot at history, and their head coach is doing everything he can to keep the spotlight where it belongs: on the players and the opportunity in front of them.
Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. MST in Arlington. The mission is simple: win, and BYU is in.