Penn State remains in search of their next head coach after firing James Franklin. As programs like LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Michigan State, UCLA and Kentucky have quickly tabbed their next head coach following the end of the regular season, Penn State has lagged somewhat behind despite parting ways with Franklin back in October.
Now, Penn State appears to narrowing in on a candidate to fill their coaching vacancy—BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Penn State is focusing on Sitake in their coaching search, but a deal has not been signed yet. Thamel noted that the two sides have discussed staffing and what it would look like for Sitake to come to Happy Valley.
At the moment, Sitake is focused on BYU’s upcoming matchup against Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game. A win in this game would be BYU’s best chance at making the College Football Playoff. BYU came in at No. 11 in last week’s CFP rankings, but they would currently be just outside of the 12-team playoff due to automatic bids.
Sitake has guided the Cougars to an 11-1 record this season, and an 83-44 overall record since taking over for BYU in 2016. Sitake is a BYU alum, but could consider leaving the program he’s played for and coached if he does feel Penn State is a better opportunity. Before the Nittany Lions’ unexpected struggles in 2025, they were one of the top programs in the country, advancing to the CFP last season and ranking No. 2 in the AP poll to start the season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Penn State Reportedly Has Top Target for Coaching Vacancy.
