Penn State offered Kalani Sitake its head coach job — but couldn't offer what BYU could
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Penn State offered Kalani Sitake its head coach job — but couldn't offer what BYU could
John Brice, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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3 min read
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PROVO, UT –Kalani Sitakeflirted with Penn State, heard what theBig Tenpower had to say. But the pull of home kept him in Provo.
BYU's favorite son is back following intense pursuit from theNittany Lions, with multiple people familiar with the situation telling USA TODAY Sports of Sitake's residency as Penn State's offered candidate before theNittany Lions' hiring of Matt Campbellaway fromIowa State.
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The Cougars finished last season 12-2, including a win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and returns enough pieces to contend for a Big 12 title and possible College Football Playoff berth. Sitake points to what seems like a bright future and wants little to do with that oh-so-brief Penn State past.
BYU football team celebrates after winning 41-27 over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 3: Bear Bachmeier #47 and his brother Tiger Bachmeier #19 of the Brigham Young Cougars pray together before their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 3, 2025 at Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: Parker Kingston #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores the game winning touchdown against Levani Damuni #3 of the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
BYU Cougars football head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates with the team after winning 41-27 over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; The BYU Cougars warm up before the game against the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Bear Bachmeier #47 of the BYU Cougars celebates with fans after winning 41-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on October 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. The BYU Cougars won 41-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
(David Purdy, Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: A sea of fans rush the field after the Brigham Young Cougars beat the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
BYU Cougars cornerback Evan Johnson (0) intercepts the ball around Iowa State Cyclones' wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) during the fourth quarter at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougar fans rush the field after a win over the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars defense celebrate a fourth down stop against the Utah Utes during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Oct 25, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates with fans after the Cougars beat the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
(Reese Strickland, Reese Strickland-Imagn Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars offensive lineman Andrew Gentry (75) reacts to a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Cody Hagen (5) runs onto the field after the Brigham Young Cougars secure the win against the Arizona Wildcats after overtime at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
Sep 27, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates his touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Oct 3, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) reacts after making a first down against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs for a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
(James Guillory, James Guillory-Imagn Images)
Oct 3, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) reacts to an interception against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Aug 30, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball against Portland State Vikings linebacker Lonnie Burt (40) during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates a win against the Arizona Wildcats after overtime with his team and the crowd at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 11: LJ Martin #4 of the BYU Cougars celebrates with Carsen Ryan #20 after scoring a 28-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: Brigham Young Cougars students storm the field after their win against the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
1/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
BYU football team celebrates after winning 41-27 over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
1/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
BYU football team celebrates after winning 41-27 over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 3: Bear Bachmeier #47 and his brother Tiger Bachmeier #19 of the Brigham Young Cougars pray together before their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 3, 2025 at Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
3/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: Parker Kingston #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores the game winning touchdown against Levani Damuni #3 of the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
4/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
BYU Cougars football head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates with the team after winning 41-27 over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
5/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; The BYU Cougars warm up before the game against the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
6/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Bear Bachmeier #47 of the BYU Cougars celebates with fans after winning 41-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on October 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. The BYU Cougars won 41-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
(David Purdy, Getty Images)
7/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: A sea of fans rush the field after the Brigham Young Cougars beat the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
8/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
BYU Cougars cornerback Evan Johnson (0) intercepts the ball around Iowa State Cyclones' wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) during the fourth quarter at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune, Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougar fans rush the field after a win over the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
10/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars defense celebrate a fourth down stop against the Utah Utes during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
11/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 25, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates with fans after the Cougars beat the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
(Reese Strickland, Reese Strickland-Imagn Images)
12/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars offensive lineman Andrew Gentry (75) reacts to a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
13/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Cody Hagen (5) runs onto the field after the Brigham Young Cougars secure the win against the Arizona Wildcats after overtime at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
14/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
15/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Sep 27, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates his touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
16/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 3, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) reacts after making a first down against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
17/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Sep 20, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs for a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
(James Guillory, James Guillory-Imagn Images)
18/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 3, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) reacts to an interception against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
19/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Aug 30, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball against Portland State Vikings linebacker Lonnie Burt (40) during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
20/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates a win against the Arizona Wildcats after overtime with his team and the crowd at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
(Aryanna Frank, Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
21/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 11: LJ Martin #4 of the BYU Cougars celebrates with Carsen Ryan #20 after scoring a 28-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
22/22
See best photos from BYU football's undefeated start, CFP push
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 18: Brigham Young Cougars students storm the field after their win against the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)
"Well, first of all, I was really honored. And I think I've said a lot about it. I've had tons of respect for Penn State,"said Sitake, major college football's first-head coach of Tongan descent. "That's a storied program and an amazing university. [Penn State's pursuit] was, to me, it was a huge compliment. It was like, wow, you know, that they would consider me. And I met some amazing people with that whole process.
"But this is my alma mater. This is the school that I cheered for growing up. And then I got to play for an amazing head coach, LaVell Edwards, a legend. And I became a captain for him. And he became a huge mentor for me. And so, yeah, this is home. It's an honor for me to have other schools that are interested in me, especially amazing places. But this, this is home."
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How close was Kalani Sitake to Penn State? 'It was happening'
It's easy to see why Penn State was interested in Sitake, who is entering his 11th season as BYU head coach and carries an 84-45 record (.651) and a 6-2 record in bowl games.
"Some of it was probably private enough that I wouldn't share, but I will say that, I mean, it was a legitimate story; it was happening," BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told USA TODAY Sports. "It was … it was possible. My connection to him and my appreciation for him is such that I was, you know, I was hoping they would work out for all of us to stay here, but, I'm super loyal to him, too.
"The whole time I was hopeful that the university would step up and find a way of retaining him and they did. You know, I'm really glad they did because I want I want to coach for him and coach here as long as I can. And I've had chances to leave. You know, we've had some good years and each year somebody comes calling and, it's tough to leave him. He's awesome."
