With Penn State still searching for its next leader following the dismissal of longtime head coach James Franklin, it’s no surprise the Nittany Lions have turned their focus toward one of college football’s most respected and underrated program builders: BYU’s Kalani Sitake.
Sitake has emerged as one of the top names linked to the Penn State opening, and for good reason. His track record at BYU, consistently winning despite limited resources, lower recruiting rankings, and the challenges that come with coaching an independent program transitioning into a Power Four league, speaks for itself. Few coaches in the sport have done more with less.
Why is Kalani Sitake a Top Target for Penn State?
BYU is not known for pulling in blue-chip recruiting classes. In fact, according to 247Sports, the Cougars’ highest-ranked class in recent years was 39th in 2023, with most classes since 2021 settling in the 50–60 range. That lack of star power hasn’t slowed Sitake. Instead, it highlights his ability to develop talent, build depth, and maximize the potential of the players he brings into the program.
His impact resonates with many across the industry. Still, perhaps no one captures it better than PFSN Chief Analytics Officer Cam Mellor, who said, “There’s not a single coach in America that means more to one program than Kalani Sitake does to BYU.” Bold words, but ones that carry real weight when the numbers consistently back them up.
Sitake’s record is proof of his consistency:
- 83–44 overall as BYU’s head coach
- Four seasons of 10+ wins since 2020
- Only one season below .500 during that stretch
- Multiple NFL draft picks over his tenure
What he has accomplished in Provo would be difficult at any school, but given BYU’s comparative disadvantages in budget, facilities, and recruiting reach, his success stands out even more.
Who Can Help Keep Sitake at BYU?
While some fans point to the Crumbl Cookie founder as a major player in BYU’s efforts to retain Kalani Sitake, the real power behind the scenes is Min Kim, owner of Nutricost. Kim is the key donor positioned to help fund the push to keep Sitake in Provo, and sources indicate that once the church approves donor-funded coaching salaries, he’s ready to step in immediately.
He already plays a significant role in supporting BYU athletics, helping cover football player salaries and aiding in the recruitment of elite talent like Dybantsa, making him the most influential figure in BYU’s retention battle. BYU is clearly committed to keeping its programs competitive and continually upgrading, rather than regressing.
Sitake’s teams are not just tough and well-prepared, they’re balanced. According to PFSN’s Power Ranking Playoff Impact Meter, BYU currently ranks 11th nationally, while also earning top-25-level unit grades on both sides of the ball:
- Offensive Impact Grade: 83.6 (25th nationally)
- Defensive Impact Grade: 87.3 (13th nationally)
That balance underscores what Penn State is missing. The Nittany Lions finished the season 6–6, far below their preseason expectations as a potential College Football Playoff contender. Their own unit grades reflect the drop-off:
- Offense: 84.9 (16th)
- Defense: 79.9 (38th)
Respectable, but not close to the championship standard Penn State expects. Sitake’s holistic oversight, his fingerprints on every phase of the game, and his ability to elevate a roster beyond its recruiting profile make him the ideal fit for a program in need of a cultural reset.
BYU’s current success only strengthens Sitake’s case. The Cougars enter the Big 12 title game at 11–1, preparing to face Texas Tech with both a conference championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line. BYU holds a 36.8% chance to reach the CFP, a staggering feat for a program that only recently joined a major conference.
What Does Sitake Offer Penn State?
Penn State needs stability, leadership, and credibility after a season that fell drastically short of expectations. Sitake offers all three and more. His reputation as a culture-setter, his proven ability to win with far less talent than his competitors, and his national respect make him one of the most attractive coaching candidates available.
If Penn State manages to land Kalani Sitake, they won’t just be hiring a coach. They’ll be bringing in a program builder and one of the best leaders in college football.