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 could adapt well to Big Ten play.
Penn State’s search was active early, with multiple in-person interviews conducted nationwide, but the process has quieted in recent weeks as several candidates accepted other positions or signed contract extensions. Penn State dismissed James Franklin in October after 12 seasons and a 104-45 record; Franklin had taken the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals in January 2025.
Sitake’s coaching background is primarily on the West side of the country. Before becoming BYU’s head coach he served as an assistant at BYU, Oregon State, Utah, Southern Utah and Eastern Arizona. He grew up playing high school football in Missouri, played collegiately at BYU and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. Sitake is the fourth head coach at BYU since LaVell Edwards assumed the role in 1972.
