Penn State’s coaching search has centered on BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. The two sides have been in discussions — including meetings that addressed staffing and other possible elements of Sitake’s tenure in State College — but no contract has been signed and no deal is finalized. Sources described the interest as mutual.
BYU, meanwhile, is doing what it can to keep Sitake; the athletic department considers retaining him its top priority. On3 was first to report that Sitake is Penn State’s primary target. The timing is notable: No. 11 BYU will face No. 5 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship, with the winner securing an automatic College Football Playoff berth.
Sitake has been BYU’s head coach since 2016 and owns a winning percentage above 65%. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 record in 2024, and BYU is 11-1 this season. The program’s adjustment to the Big 12 has been rapid — after a 2-7 conference showing in 2023, BYU has gone 15-3 over the last two seasons — and true freshman Bear Bachmeier has emerged as a likely long-term solution at quarterback. Observers note BYU’s physical offensive line, power running game and inventive passing attack
