BYU Coach Sitake Targeted in Penn State Search

Kalani Sitake, the head coach of BYU football, is under consideration for the head coaching position at Penn State, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This news follows a confirmation from On3 regarding the ongoing search for a new head coach. While discussions have taken place between Sitake and Penn State, including staffing and other logistical details, no formal agreement has been reached yet.
Current Situation at BYU
Kalani Sitake, aged 50, has been vocal about maintaining his focus on the upcoming Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech. His tenure at BYU has seen the Cougars ranked No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings with an impressive record of 11-1. Their only defeat this season was against Texas Tech.
Coaching Record and Background
- Head Coach at BYU since 2016
- Former defensive coordinator at Utah and Oregon State
- Overall coaching record: 83 wins and 44 losses
Penn State’s Coaching Search
Penn State is actively seeking a replacement for James Franklin, who was dismissed following a 3-3 start to his 12th season. Franklin’s tenure included disappointing losses to teams like UCLA and Northwestern. He has since taken up the head coaching role at Virginia Tech.
As the coaching landscape shifts, the search for a new leader at Penn State will continue amid calls for improvement following the team’s mixed performance this season. Kalani Sitake remains a prominent candidate, with the potential for significant changes in the upcoming months.




