Kalani Sitake Plans to Remain BYU Head Coach, Sources Confirm
Kalani Sitake, the head coach of Brigham Young University (BYU), has confirmed his intention to remain with the team, rejecting interest from Penn State. Sources indicate that BYU is working on a lucrative contract to ensure his continued presence in Provo.
Kalani Sitake’s Coaching Journey at BYU
Since taking the helm in 2016, Sitake has significantly impacted the program. His winning percentage exceeds 65%, making him one of the most successful coaches in BYU history. In 2024, he led the Cougars to an impressive 11-2 record, and they are currently 11-1 this season.
Upcoming Championship Game
BYU is gearing up for the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech, ranked No. 5. The match will take place on Saturday, with the winner securing an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
Retention Efforts by BYU
- BYU officials regarded retaining Sitake as their top priority.
- They have aggressively pursued him to secure his contract with the school.
His success hasn’t gone unnoticed; Penn State expressed keen interest, engaging in discussions regarding a potential coaching role. Despite the mutual interest, no agreement was reached, and Sitake opted to stay at BYU.
Recent Performance and Transition
After a challenging 2-7 transition year in 2023, BYU’s performance has markedly improved. The Cougars boast a 15-3 record since then, largely due to the emergence of freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier as a long-term solution for the team.
Coaching Career Overview
Prior to his current role at BYU, Sitake built an extensive coaching resume across several esteemed programs. His career includes stints at:
- Utah
- Southern Utah
- Oregon State
- Eastern Arizona
A former player himself, Sitake made a significant impact on the field at BYU before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. Notably, he is BYU’s fourth head coach since LaVell Edwards took over the program in 1972.
As Sitake prepares for the championship game, the commitment from both him and BYU indicates a promising future for the program in the competitive landscape of college football.
