Penn State's shot at BYU's Kalani Sitake 'Crumbl's' with pledge from major donor

The smoke surrounding BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and the Penn State Nittany Lions is thick, musky, and downright terrifying for the desert climate of Provo, Utah. BYU football, nearing the climax of its greatest season in 25+ years, might likewise be in the twilight of the Kalani Sitake era.

James Franklin is out of the picture in Happy Valley -- now undertaking a reconstruction over in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech -- the Big Ten giant is anxious to plant the seeds of a new and even stronger dynasty. Their searches have narrowed in on Kalani Sitake, the head coach of 11-1 Big 12 representative BYU.

Sitake is in the perfect situation in Provo. The head coach at his alma mater, the home of his collegiate football career and university capital for his religious affiliation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his position as a coach likewise arrives as one of a spiritual leader. He's a man whose job is to field a competitive football team, just like anywhere else in the country, but at BYU, he can do that by establishing and nurturing a foundation on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He quotes scriptures in his pregame speeches. Apostles and general authorities are constantly present during post-game celebrations. There is no need to separate church from state in Provo; Jesus Christ is the focus.

Related: Have no doubt: Kalani Sitake is the man for BYU Football

These are not features of any other head coaching position among the Power Four ranks, save for TCU or Baylor. At Penn State, the position is strictly football, and he'll be judged exclusively on wins and losses.

And despite the crescendo of rumors that Sitake's foot is already out the door, the BYU community is rallying everything in its power to retain its beloved coach. Take the following tweet with a grain of salt, as the statement that BYU is going directly to the church for athletic funds is certainly false, but it's clear that this fan base and program that Sitake has called home would be devastated to see Sitake leave.

Even Jason McGowan, the co-founder and CEO of Crumbl, is making it clear that he'll take whatever financial damage necessary to retain Sitake. A situation that seemed hopeless for BYU is suddenly gaining momentum back in the Cougars' direction. Maintaining the status quo is becoming more attractive by the minute.

Sitake stands at a crossroad in his life. Should he remain at BYU for the foreseeable future, he becomes a legendary figure at his alma mater with the potential to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with LaVell Edwards as the greatest coaches in the program's history and men who devoted their careers to building BYU football into the power it is today. If he takes off for Penn State, his chances of reaching the College Football Playoff -- and by extension the national championship game -- increase significantly thanks to a boost in brand power. In the sport's current condition, packing up for a program with a higher ceiling is understandably a very attractive option.

The decision, ultimately, is his to make and his alone. There is no wrong direction to take -- he has to do what's right for himself and his family -- but Cougar Nation would be heartbroken to see him leave.