As the college football landscape begins to shift with the ongoing coaching carousel, tension is rising within the Big 12. The early signing period is set to kick off on Wednesday, heightening urgency among teams as they look to solidify their coaching staff.
In a significant move, the SEC has finalized its coach hiring following Will Stein’s acceptance of the vacant position at Kentucky. However, one of the prime coaching opportunities remains open: Penn State is reportedly working to entice BYU head coach Kalani Sitake to make the jump to State College.
Currently, Sitake is focused on leading the No. 11 Cougars as they prepare for a pivotal showdown against No. 5 Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship, where a spot in the College Football Playoff is on the line. In an effort to retain Sitake, BYU has reportedly ramped up its counter-offers in light of Penn State’s interest.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech is taking proactive steps to secure its own coaching staff. In a strategic move, they have extended head coach Joey McGuire’s contract for an additional seven years, keeping him at the helm until the 2032 season. This deal not only elevates his annual salary to over $7 million but also includes several performance-based incentives that could significantly increase his earnings.
McGuire, who boasts a record of 34-17 overall and a solid 24-12 in Big 12 play since his arrival, has been a target for various SEC rumors due to his success with the Red Raiders. However, those speculations have been quashed by Texas Tech Chairman Cody Campbell, who assured fans, “Joey McGuire isn’t going anywhere.” Prior to Texas Tech’s recent 29-7 victory over BYU, McGuire reaffirmed his commitment to the program, expressing his deep ties to Texas and his intention to remain a Red Raider for life.
As Texas Tech approaches the championship game with an impressive 11-1 record, a victory against BYU could grant the Red Raiders a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, adding yet another layer of excitement in this crucial moment of the season. The stakes are high for both teams, making for an exhilarating finish as the college football season nears its climax.