BYU’s Kalani Sitake Addresses Penn State Coaching Speculation
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake has recently been connected to the coaching vacancy at Penn State. This speculation arises following an impressive 11-win regular season for the Cougars. Sitake acknowledges the attention as a “great distraction” as his team prepares for a pivotal game against Texas Tech.
Kalani Sitake on Penn State Coaching Speculation
Head coach Sitake recently addressed rumors linking him to Penn State during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming Big 12 Championship game. “This is a great distraction to have, let’s be honest,” he stated. He aims to keep his team focused on their goals, recognizing that this speculation can signify positive developments for his program.
Current BYU Season Overview
- Current Record: 11-1
- Upcoming Game: Big 12 Championship against No. 5 Texas Tech
- Significance: A victory could secure a spot in the College Football Playoff
Sitake expressed his commitment to the team’s success, stating, “I’m all about the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that.” He reassured the media and fans that distractions would be minimized as the season reaches its climax.
Context of the Penn State Job Opening
Following the mid-season firing of James Franklin, Penn State is seeking a new head coach. Among the possible candidates are notable coaches like:
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana)
- Matt Rhule (Nebraska)
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State)
- Clark Lea (Vanderbilt)
Several of these coaches have recently signed contract extensions, making Penn State’s search more challenging. Sitake’s name continues to surface as a potential fit due to his successful tenure at BYU.
Kalani Sitake’s Tenure at BYU
Sitake is concluding his tenth season with the BYU Cougars. His coaching record stands at 83 wins and 44 losses. Under his leadership, the team has achieved a considerable milestone, winning 22 games over the last two seasons— the most in the Big 12 conference. Moreover, he has a deep personal connection to BYU, having played for the legendary coach LaVell Edwards and being a lifelong fan of the program.
Last year, Sitake received a contract extension and was also promoted to an associate athletic director role. When discussing his financial support at BYU, he humorously noted, “I’ve gained weight, you can tell. I’m living a good life.”
As the coaching carousel continues, Kalani Sitake remains focused on his team’s performance while navigating the rumors surrounding Penn State. The upcoming championship game could significantly affect both his career and the BYU program’s future.
