PROVO — In a week when BYU football should be gearing up for a huge game with potential College Football Playoff implications, the focus in Provo has shifted unexpectedly.
Kalani Sitake is reportedly the top candidate for the head coaching job at Penn State, as noted by several national reports. In response to the buzz, Sitake emphasized, “I’m all about the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that.” But the chatter around his possible move is hard to ignore.
Instead of celebrating an impressive 11-1 season and a top-15 ranking, BYU fans and stakeholders are preoccupied with the prospect of losing Sitake. This situation points to a larger issue in college football—timing. The overlap of championship week and coaching changes creates confusion. While teams should be focused on winning, they often get dragged into contract talks and recruitment decisions.
An example of this dilemma emerged with Ole Miss last year. As they were in the hunt for a playoff spot, their coach, Lane Kiffin, accepted a new job, jeopardizing their chances just before the critical rankings were announced. BYU now faces a similar situation, which raises questions about the overall structure of college football schedules.
Prominent figures in sports have noted this struggle. Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino remarked on the conflict in coaching calendars, emphasizing the problems inherent in the system. He pointed out that while his basketball team is on the verge of championship contention, he won’t leave until March, highlighting how differently football operates.
Kalani Sitake’s actions must be viewed through the lens of professional responsibilities. He’s exploring options and negotiating terms that reflect his performance and the needs of his players. His record speaks for itself: since 2020, he has a winning percentage of 74.7%, ranking among the top coaches in the nation.
But what defines fair market value for a coach like Sitake? With multiple top-20 finishes and a considerable chance at playoff contention, BYU faces tough questions about compensation. The average head coach in college football earns around $7.59 million annually. Given BYU’s recent success, how much should they offer Sitake to retain him?
In 2024, BYU announced a contract extension for Sitake, but specifics on raises or additional resources remained vague. Other programs are proactively investing in their coaches, suggesting that BYU may need to act more decisively to secure Sitake’s future. For instance, Indiana recently offered a lucrative eight-year deal to their coach mid-season, showing commitment to their leadership.
When comparing football and basketball, BYU basketball appears to be investing more in its program, raising questions about why football isn’t receiving the same support. If the basketball coach earns around $4 million per year, shouldn’t the football coach, who drives revenue and visibility, earn significantly more?
If Sitake leaves, it could trigger one of the most critical coaching searches in BYU’s history. Potential successors include names like Jay Hill, Kelly Poppinga, and even former coach Bronco Mendenhall. The stakes rise if Sitake takes his staff and loyal players with him to Penn State, a common practice in college football today.
Ultimately, this situation reveals two narratives. One suggests that BYU is negotiating to keep Sitake as an ambassador for the program. The other warns of the allure of Penn State’s resources, which might be too tempting for him to resist. The next few weeks will be crucial for BYU, as they navigate the complexities of retaining a coach who has brought them much success.
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