Kalani Sitake Considers Penn State: Latest Updates

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Kalani Sitake Considers Penn State: Latest Updates

Speculation regarding BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake potentially joining Penn State as their next head coach has intensified recently. Over the weekend and into Monday, various national football reporters indicated that Sitake is a leading candidate for the position.

Kalani Sitake: Penn State’s Top Target

Multiple sources, including On3 and ESPN, have confirmed that Penn State views Sitake as a prime candidate for their head coaching vacancy. Reports suggest that the two parties have engaged in extensive discussions, emphasizing a strong mutual interest.

Details of the Negotiations

  • Numerous national sports reporters have linked Sitake to the Penn State position.
  • There is no finalized contract or agreement between Sitake and the Nittany Lions.
  • Penn State is reportedly prepared to offer a lucrative salary pool to Sitake, including a role for defensive coordinator Jay Hill.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reinforced that discussions over staffing and specifics of Sitake’s potential tenure in State College are ongoing. However, he noted that essential steps remain before reaching a formal agreement. NBC Sports and The Athletic echoed these sentiments, confirming that while Sitake is the focal point of the coaching search, no deal has been finalized.

Current Focus on the Big 12 Championship

Despite the swirling rumors, Sitake remains focused on the upcoming Big 12 championship game, where BYU is set to face Texas Tech. His immediate attention is on preparing his team for this critical matchup.

Background on the Coaching Search

Penn State is actively searching for a replacement for James Franklin, who was dismissed from his position on October 12. Among the candidates, Sitake has gained significant traction recently, as reported by The Athletic, highlighting his viability for the role.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether Kalani Sitake will officially transition from BYU to Penn State. The coaching landscape is dynamic, and developments may unfold rapidly as the postseason progresses.