Steve Young Addresses Kalani Sitake-Penn State Rumors – Deseret News

Former NFL quarterback Steve Young voiced strong opinions regarding the recent coaching changes in college football, specifically addressing the situation surrounding BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. During an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Young described mid-season coaching departures as “madness.” His comments came as rumors intensified about Sitake possibly being a leading candidate for the head coaching position at Penn State.

Steve Young Discusses Kalani Sitake’s Future

Young’s comments were sparked by the tumultuous coaching environment, particularly referencing Lane Kiffin’s recent move from Ole Miss to LSU. He expressed concern about the factors leading to such instability in college football coaching. “Something’s really wrong that allowed for this kind of madness,” Young stated emphatically. He highlighted the need for change in the current system to prevent such occurrences.

Rumors Surrounding Kalani Sitake

Rumors about Sitake’s potential exit from BYU began circulating over the weekend. Notable sports journalists, including Brett McMurphy, Chris Low, and Pete Nakos, reported on Monday that Penn State was interested in Sitake. ESPN’s Pete Thamel and NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach later confirmed this interest, although no agreement was made at that time. Young himself praised Sitake’s impact at BYU, indicating that his departure would be deeply felt.

• Young emphasized the strong connection between Sitake and BYU.
• He acknowledged that Sitake has a genuine affection for the program.
• The departure, according to Young, would be “super painful” for fans and players alike.

Addressing the Media

Sitake addressed the swirling rumors during a press conference on Monday, stating, “This is a great distraction to have, let’s be honest.” He reiterated the importance of focusing on the upcoming game against Texas Tech, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. MST. This match is critical for BYU, as a win would secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

BYU’s Competitive Landscape

Young acknowledged the significance of BYU’s progress as they enter the competitive Big 12 conference. He expressed pride that a program like Penn State would be vying for their coach, reflecting the growing reputation of BYU in college football. However, he cautioned that if Penn State wishes to secure Sitake, they would need to make a substantial effort to “rip him from our bloody hands.”

The dynamics of college coaching positions continue to evolve, and the situation with Kalani Sitake underscores the heightened stakes within the collegiate athletic arena. As fans and analysts alike watch closely, the outcome of the BYU-Texas Tech game and Sitake’s future remain at the forefront of conversations across college football.