Kalani Sitake has opted to remain as the head coach of Brigham Young University (BYU) after engaging in discussions with Penn State regarding their vacant coaching position. After ten successful seasons with BYU, Sitake and the university have reached a new agreement, which has been described as lucrative, according to reports from ESPN.
This decision comes as Penn State reportedly made Sitake their primary target in their search for a new head coach. Despite the speculation, Sitake has decided to continue leading the Cougars, who are set to compete against No. 5 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game on December 2, 2025. While no formal contract had been signed as of early Tuesday afternoon, sources have indicated that an agreement is expected soon.
Commitments to Assistants and Program Investments
Details of the new contract have yet to be fully disclosed, but insiders suggest it includes substantial commitments to Sitake’s coaching staff, particularly for offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Additionally, the deal may encompass significant investments in the program’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives.
BYU has benefitted from a strong network of financial support, with prominent donors such as Nutricost CEO Min Kim and Crumbl CEO Jason McGowan contributing to the program’s success. This backing allows BYU to maintain competitive coaching talents like Sitake, who has built a strong record over his tenure.
Impressive Record and Player Support
Under Sitake’s leadership, BYU has compiled an impressive record of 83-44, including a noteworthy 11-1 season in 2025. The team’s performance in the Big 12 has been equally commendable, with an 8-1 record in conference play. In the last several seasons, Sitake has guided the Cougars to seven bowl appearances and a postseason record of 4-3.
Players have expressed their strong support for Sitake, underscoring his impact on the program. “Yes, yes, yes; he’s the best coach in the nation,” stated BYU defensive back Evan Johnson following a recent victory over UCF. Such testimonials reflect the high regard in which Sitake is held by his players and the broader BYU community.
Sitake’s winning percentage of 56-19 since 2020 ranks him among the elite in the Football Bowl Subdivision, trailing only a handful of powerhouse programs. His commitment to BYU signifies not only a personal choice but also a continued investment in the future of the program. As the Cougars prepare for their championship game, the focus remains on building on their recent successes under Sitake’s guidance.
