Penn State offered Kalani Sitake its head coach job — but couldn't offer what BYU could
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PROVO, UT – Kalani Sitake flirted with Penn State, heard what the Big Ten power had to say. But the pull of home kept him in Provo.
BYU’s favorite son is back following intense pursuit from the Nittany Lions, with multiple people familiar with the situation telling USA TODAY Sports of Sitake’s residency as Penn State’s offered candidate before the Nittany Lions’ hiring of Matt Campbell away from Iowa State.
The Cougars finished last season 12-2, including a win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and returns enough pieces to contend for a Big 12 title and possible College Football Playoff berth. Sitake points to what seems like a bright future and wants little to do with that oh-so-brief Penn State past.
“Well, first of all, I was really honored. And I think I’ve said a lot about it. I’ve had tons of respect for Penn State,” said Sitake, major college football’s first-head coach of Tongan descent. “That’s a storied program and an amazing university. [Penn State’s pursuit] was, to me, it was a huge compliment. It was like, wow, you know, that they would consider me. And I met some amazing people with that whole process.
“But this is my alma mater. This is the school that I cheered for growing up. And then I got to play for an amazing head coach, LaVell Edwards, a legend. And I became a captain for him. And he became a huge mentor for me. And so, yeah, this is home. It’s an honor for me to have other schools that are interested in me, especially amazing places. But this, this is home.”
How close was Kalani Sitake to Penn State? ‘It was happening’
It’s easy to see why Penn State was interested in Sitake, who is entering his 11th season as BYU head coach and carries an 84-45 record (.651) and a 6-2 record in bowl games.
“Some of it was probably private enough that I wouldn’t share, but I will say that, I mean, it was a legitimate story; it was happening,” BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told USA TODAY Sports. “It was … it was possible. My connection to him and my appreciation for him is such that I was, you know, I was hoping they would work out for all of us to stay here, but, I’m super loyal to him, too.
“The whole time I was hopeful that the university would step up and find a way of retaining him and they did. You know, I’m really glad they did because I want I want to coach for him and coach here as long as I can. And I’ve had chances to leave. You know, we’ve had some good years and each year somebody comes calling and, it’s tough to leave him. He’s awesome.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Penn State offered Kalani Sitake its head coach job — but couldn’t offer what BYU could
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