Kalani Sitake isn’t going anywhere - and in Provo, that’s being celebrated like a championship.
After a whirlwind 24 hours that saw Sitake emerge as a top target in Penn State’s high-profile coaching search, the longtime BYU head coach has informed those around him that he’s staying put. According to reports, BYU is already working on a lucrative contract to keep him in Cougar blue for the foreseeable future.
It’s a big swing and a miss for Penn State, but for BYU, it’s a massive win - not just for the football program, but for a fanbase that rallied hard to keep their guy. From former players to local business leaders, the Cougar community made it clear: Sitake isn’t just a coach, he’s part of the fabric of BYU.
And that loyalty runs both ways. Sitake played at BYU, has spent 23 of his 25 coaching seasons in Utah, and has become synonymous with the program’s identity. So while the Nittany Lions came calling, it’s not shocking that Sitake chose to stay where his roots run deep.
As BYU legend Steve Young put it on national radio: “They’re going to have to rip him from our bloody hands!” That quote might’ve been said in jest, but it captured the mood in Provo perfectly.
Sitake’s tenure hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There were tough seasons - a 4-9 campaign in 2017 and a disappointing 5-7 finish just two years ago in 2023. But those bumps in the road make what’s happened since even more impressive.
Since that 2023 season, BYU has been one of the Big 12’s top dogs, going a combined 22-3 over the last two years. The Cougars wrapped up the 2025 regular season at 11-1 and are now headed to the Big 12 Championship Game, where they’ll face Texas Tech with a shot at the conference crown.
And they’ve done it without their projected starting quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, who left the program over the summer. That kind of adversity would derail most teams - but under Sitake, BYU has thrived. It’s a testament to the culture he’s built, the depth he’s developed, and the belief he’s instilled across the roster.
For Penn State, Sitake’s decision leaves athletic director Pat Kraft back at square one. There’s no denying Sitake was a serious candidate, but his lack of ties to Pennsylvania or the surrounding region would’ve made for an interesting fit. Now, with Sitake off the board, the Nittany Lions will need to pivot quickly to find their next leader.
But in Provo, there’s no such uncertainty. Kalani Sitake is staying, and BYU is all-in on the coach who’s helped elevate the program into a legitimate Big 12 contender. The message is clear: the Cougars believe their best football is still ahead - and they believe Sitake is the one to lead them there.