Penn State remained unusually silent this past weekend as major college football programs like LSU, Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Michigan State, and UCLA filled their head coaching vacancies. All the while, the Nittany Lions observed top talent being secured by these rival schools. However, it appears there is a strategic plan unfolding in Happy Valley as Penn State sets its sights on Kalani Sitake, the head coach of BYU, who has expressed mutual interest in the position.
As news of Penn State’s interest broke on Monday, BYU immediately began to rally support to retain Sitake. Notable alumni, including Jason McGowan, the CEO of Crumbl Cookies, took to social media to label Sitake as “not replaceable.” McGowan pledged to actively participate in efforts to keep the coach in Provo. Additional backing for Sitake comes from Built Bar CEO Nick Greer, another BYU alum and donor, showcasing the strong financial foundation that the Cougars can leverage to retain their coach.
Sitake’s value to BYU cannot be overstated, particularly due to the limited pool of coaching candidates who fit the university’s cultural and institutional ethos, which predominantly includes members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This unique challenge heightens the stakes for both programs as Penn State’s intentions become evident.
While Penn State has operated under a cloak of discretion regarding their pursuit of Sitake, they are now embroiled in a contest against BYU’s influential financial supporters. The amusing aspect lies in the fact that this financial backing is coming from the world of cookies and protein bars. However, the resources at BYU are significant, and they are determined to make a financial commitment to secure Sitake’s continued leadership.
For Penn State, the hope is that Sitake, whose coaching career has largely been anchored in LDS institutions, desires a new challenge in the Big Ten over financial incentives. Penn State’s established program may offer a higher ceiling for success compared to BYU, which just recently participated in the Big 12 title game. The ongoing dynamics of college football often see coaches drawn to new ventures that promise growth and challenge, making this a pivotal moment in Sitake’s career.
As discussions continue, BYU is optimistic that their longstanding loyalty to Sitake, combined with a competitive financial offer, will keep him from succumbing to external temptations. The outcome of this coaching saga will soon unfold, potentially leading to a significant triumph for BYU while leaving Penn State to reassess its coaching strategy if Sitake chooses to remain.