Kalani Sitake Turns Down Penn State, Reaffirms Commitment to BYU with New Deal
Penn State came calling, but Kalani Sitake isn’t going anywhere.
The BYU head coach was at the top of Penn State’s wish list to fill their head coaching vacancy this week, but Sitake made his decision clear on Tuesday: he’s staying in Provo. BYU and Sitake agreed to a contract extension, putting an end to the speculation and solidifying his future with the Cougars.
“If I’m being honest, I just wanted to be here a long [time],” Sitake told reporters, his voice thick with emotion. And it wasn’t just a business decision-it was personal. Sitake spoke openly about his love for BYU, the community, and the fans who showed up in a big way once word got out that another program was trying to lure him away.
The fan response, as Sitake described it, was overwhelming. “My wife said the last day or so was probably one of her favorites.
She called it a ‘love bomb’ from all the fans,” he said. “It's hard to leave when you have something so special and you have amazing people that support us.”
And that support wasn’t just online or in passing comments. It was tangible.
Sitake shared a story about a student who camped out by his parking spot for hours, holding a sign and hoping for a chance to convince him to stay. “He had no idea when I was gonna be there.
I gave him a hug and took a picture with him,” Sitake said. “The fans all over the place, it’s super special.”
It’s a rare thing in today’s college football landscape-a coach turning down a high-profile opportunity to stay where his heart is. But for Sitake, this wasn’t just about loyalty. It was about belief in what he’s building at BYU and the people who’ve rallied behind him every step of the way.
Since taking over in 2016, Sitake has led BYU to an 83-44 record, including a dominant 11-1 campaign this season. The Cougars are ranked No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and with a win on Saturday against Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game, they’ll punch their ticket to the playoff.
That kind of success doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s no surprise Penn State made a strong push. But BYU wasn’t about to let Sitake go without a fight-and now, with the extension in place, they won’t have to.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Cougars. With the early signing period opening Wednesday and a massive game on the horizon, BYU can now fully lock in on the field and on the recruiting trail without the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the program.
“Quit all the drama. I’m here,” Sitake said with a smile. “People don’t need to stop in the middle of the road to yell at me to stay, it’s not safe.”
That blend of humility, humor, and heart is part of what’s made Sitake such a beloved figure at BYU. He’s more than just a coach-he’s a cornerstone of the program and the community. And now, with his future secured, he’s got a chance to lead the Cougars into their biggest moment yet.
Sitake’s decision sends a strong message-not just to BYU fans, but to college football at large. In a sport where the coaching carousel spins faster every year, sometimes the best move is staying right where you are.