CONFIRMED: Kalani Sitake STAYING AT BYU, Turns Down Penn State Head Coach Opening in Carousel
CONFIRMED: Kalani Sitake STAYING AT BYU, Turns Down Penn State Head Coach Opening in Carousel  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Tue Dec 02 2025
Description: Drake Toll joined The Pete Sousa Show to talk Kalani Sitake remaining the head football coach at Brigham Young University, rejecting lucrative offers from established Power Four programs like Penn State, which represents a defining moment for the Cougars' athletic future. This choice goes beyond a simple contract negotiation; it underscores the institutional value of cultural fit and signals BYU's commitment to fully investing in its Big 12 trajectory. Sitake, an alumnus and the program's leader since 2016, validated the unique BYU culture he has championed, prioritizing his foundational connection over the prestige of a traditional football power.Sitake’s retention was secured through a "lucrative" long-term contract, reportedly elevating his annual salary significantly. Crucially, the negotiation successfully addressed the financial necessities of top-tier college football by ensuring substantial commitments to his assistant coaches and a major influx of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources. These resource guarantees, which sources suggest involve an additional $10 to $15 million in NIL funding, equip the program to compete for talent against wealthier rivals.The impact of Sitake’s continuity is profound. After guiding BYU through its successful transition from FBS independence into the Power Four, his 83-44 career record, highlighted by an 11-1 campaign in 2025, guarantees stability. His continued leadership ensures that the Cougar program maintains its unique identity and cultural cohesion, a rare achievement in the volatile coaching landscape. Sitake's choice solidifies the foundation for sustained competitive relevance in the Big 12, affirming BYU’s readiness to invest in a leader who embodies the university’s mission.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Omaha SteaksSave big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. Aura FramesFor a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.