Penn State's top target reportedly drops out of the running in coaching search

Jeff Hauser

•
Penn State's top target reportedly drops out of the running in coaching search image

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake will remain in Provo rather than pursue the opening at Penn State, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos. 

Sitake had emerged as the Nittany Lions’ top target to replace James Franklin, but sources told On3 that he intends to stay with the Cougars as they prepare for their first Big 12 Championship appearance against Texas Tech. 

BYU is reportedly preparing a major financial commitment to keep Sitake. According to Nakos, the university is ready to invest between $10 million and $15 million in NIL resources on top of revenue-sharing obligations under the House settlement. Sitake is also expected to receive a new contract valued at $9 million to $9.5 million annually.

Sitake kept his comments focused on football this week when asked directly about Penn State’s interest. “I’m all about the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that,” he said. “We’re going to avoid all of the distractions.”

Sitake took over at BYU in 2016 and has led the Cougars to a 83-44 record. He has guided the program through its transition from the Mountain West into the Big 12. The Cougars went 8-1 in league play this season and will face Texas Tech on Saturday with a conference title on the line.

The coaching drama also sparked action from prominent BYU booster Jason McGowan, the Crumbl Cookies CEO, who hinted on social media he was prepared to help keep Sitake in Provo.

Penn State’s search now continues and is expected to stretch through National Signing Day as the program reaches two months without a permanent head coach.

More college football news: 

Senior Editor