I don't believe Kalani Sitake would ever leave BYU football if he were given the chance. Not even for a blue blood program the likes of Alabama, Oregon, or... Penn State?
With Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin officially heading for Baton Rouge and the open position at LSU, blood is in the water for coaching changes at the highest levels of college football. Not even the happiest head coach in the nation is safe from the prying fingers of the SEC and Big Ten.
The rumor mill has spit out its most recent headline, and it's stating that BYU's head coach may be next out the door, as a recent flight direct from Provo to State College has sparked speculation that Kalani Sitake is not only interviewing for James Franklin's old spot with the Nittany Lions, but he may be the frontrunner to be the next in navy blue out in Happy Valley.
Odds to be the next Penn State Head Coach, per @Kalshi:
— College Football Report (@CFBReport) November 30, 2025
Kalani Sitake - 26%
Josh Heupel - 18%
Brian Daboll - 17%
Bob Chesney - 15%
Terry Smith - 14%
Kalen DeBoer - 9%
Lincoln Riley - 9%
Brian Hartline - 8%
Matt Campbell - 6%
Penn State’s search has been a long one 😳 pic.twitter.com/o1ffynxd8e
I cannot emphasize this enough: BYU football needs Kalani Sitake in this era of the sport.
In the last two seasons under Sitake, BYU has a record of 22-3 in the Big 12 conference, with three straight victories over rival Utah and now set for a meeting with Texas Tech in the Cougars' first conference championship game since 1998. Ranked 11th and claiming a strong case for an at-large bid if they fail to take down the Red Raiders, there has never been a better time for BYU in the national picture.
So much of this success is due to Kalani's character, his coaching ability, and the culture that he has cultivated and continuously nurtures for his team. His foundation of faith and accountability has led the Cougars to the enviable position they stand in today.
But going 11-1 with one of the best resumes in College Football, BYU still remains on the outside of the playoff picture, and likely doesn't compete for a national championship without a Big 12 championship. This is a problem at BYU, but not at Penn State. As unfair as it may be, brand appeal is a major factor in the selection committee's process, and the Nittany Lions would never ever miss the 12-team bracket with just one loss, even if it came to Tarleton State.