As coaching vacancies continue to close across the country, the shrinking pool of available candidates has intensified scrutiny on Penn State football’s coaching search, and Kalani Sitake is now a person of interest.
The latest name linked to athletic director Pat Kraft’s efforts is BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who FootballScoop reports has emerged as a candidate.
The timing of the speculation is far from ideal for Sitake.
BYU is preparing for its first-ever Big 12 Championship Game appearance against Texas Tech, and Sitake made it clear Tuesday that his attention remains firmly on the Cougars.
“I’m all about the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that. We’re going to avoid all of the distractions,” Sitake said, declining further comment on the reports connecting him to Penn State.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Meanwhile, the coaching carousel has spun rapidly in the past 24 hours. LSU hired Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss brought in Pete Golding, Auburn turned to Alex Golesh, Florida landed Jon Sumrall, Arkansas hired Ryan Silverfield, Michigan State is finalizing a contract with former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald and UCLA secured Bob Chesney. With major vacancies disappearing quickly, pressure on Kraft to finalize Penn State’s direction has only intensified.
Sitake, 50, played for LaVell Edwards at BYU from 1997–2000 and has built an 83–44 record as head coach, including three 11-win seasons and five bowl victories in seven appearances.
With the early national signing period beginning Wednesday, Kraft faces mounting urgency to reach a resolution. Since firing James Franklin Oct. 12, Penn State now holds the nation’s longest-standing head coaching vacancy.
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