Kalani Sitake is staying home, and it looks like BYU got the message in time.
After a few days of noise surrounding Penn State’s pursuit of Sitake, sources say the BYU head coach has started to inform people that he’s not going anywhere. Penn State made a strong push. They had money, national prestige, Big Ten appeal, and were ready to back the truck up. But Sitake didn’t bite. He reportedly let them know today he’s staying in Provo, and now BYU is finalizing a new deal that should lock him up with a healthy raise.
That’s a win for BYU. Not because Sitake turned down some shiny job offer, but because it proves the school is willing to get serious when it counts. Sitake isn’t just some face on the sideline. He’s one of the core reasons BYU has found real footing in the Big 12 this fast. Since making the jump into the league, he’s built a team that’s tough, physical, and not afraid to swing on anybody. He gets the culture, he recruits guys who fit, and he’s built a locker room that plays for him.
In his first season in the Big 12, the Cougars went just 5-7 in 2023. But now, it’s back-to-back 11-win campaigns, including this weekend’s trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. Since taking over in 2016, Sitake is 83-44 as the head coach of the Cougars, including a 17-10 mark in the Big 12.
And with that success, comes suitors. Penn State thought it could lure him away with cash and prestige, and maybe they could’ve if BYU sat on their hands, but this time, they didn’t. According to some reports, Sitake’s been making around $3 million, before bonuses, which is a joke when you consider where this program’s been the last two seasons. The number doesn’t have to match Penn State’s, but it needs to be close enough to show you care. And now it sounds like BYU is finally doing that.
Kalani Sitake’s staying. And BYU just proved it wants to keep winning with him.
