Kalani Sitake Declines Penn State, Commits to Extended BYU Stay
Kalani Sitake has made a significant decision regarding his coaching career. The head coach of BYU has opted to remain with the program after receiving interest from Penn State. This announcement comes shortly after a contract extension was confirmed, ensuring Sitake’s continued leadership at BYU.
Kalani Sitake’s Commitment to BYU
As reported, the announcement of Sitake’s extension coincided with heightened interest from Penn State. This interest reportedly included notes from high-profile figures, such as the CEO of Crumbl Cookies. Ultimately, Sitake chose to remain with the Cougars, stating, “A GREAT day to be a Coug.”
Record Season and Championship Appearance
This season marks Sitake’s 10th year as head coach, leading BYU to an impressive 11–1 record overall and 8–1 in the Big 12. The Cougars are set to participate in their first-ever Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech. Notably, Texas Tech is the only team to defeat BYU this season, highlighting the significance of this matchup.
Coaching Background
Kalani Sitake, a BYU alumnus, began his coaching career in 2001 as a defensive backs coach at Eastern Arizona. His experiences include a graduate assistant role at BYU and positions at Southern Utah and Utah, where he became defensive coordinator. Sitake took over as head coach at BYU on December 19, 2015, after the departure of former coach Bronco Mendenhall.
Coaching Record
- Overall record at BYU: 83–44
- Big 12 record: 17–10
- Recent two-season record: 22–3 (15–3 in conference)
During his tenure, Sitake has led BYU through challenges, including the transitions from independent status to competing in the Big 12. His teams reached significant milestones, including an 11–1 season in 2020 and 10–3 in 2021, showing consistent improvement throughout his coaching career.
With this new contract, BYU strengthens its football program under Sitake, continuing to build toward future success in the Big 12 and beyond.
