BYU coach Kalani Sitake deflects question about Penn State: 'We're going to avoid all of the distractions'

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was asked directly about the Penn State job opening Monday. However, he deflected the answer and kept the focus on the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech.

“I’m all about the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that,” Sitake said. “We’re going to avoid all of the distractions.”

Sitake was recently added to the Penn State coaching hot board, via BlueWhite Illustrated. Despite firing James Franklin after six games, the Nittany Lions have not hired a coach yet like myriad SEC schools this weekend.

All signs seemed to be pointing towards Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule very early in the process. Being an alum and good friends with AD Pat Kraft, it seemed like a natural hire. But a contract extension with the Huskers and numerous other big names seemingly crossed out on the rumor mill, Penn State has yet to make a move.

Sitake could be the choice before too long, but if he leads BYU to a win in a rematch over Texas Tech, the Cougars will be Big 12 champions and in the College Football Playoff. Heck they might be able to steal an at-large bid as well. In that case, Penn State might have to wait quite a bit to make the hire.

This is the second straight season of at least 11 wins for Sitake at BYU. They went 11-2 last year, in just their second year in the Big 12, and won the Alamo Bowl, finishing No. 13 in the country.

Overall, Sitake is 83-44 and in the conference championship for the first time with BYU. He began coaching the Cougars in 2016 and after going through an Independent schedule, BYU joined the Big 12 in 2022.

Judging by the resources, one would think Penn State has one of the biggest collection of resources in college football. But the success of Sitake at BYU in recent years, and historically, there is a path to the ultimate goal each year: the CFP.

Now, it just remains to be seen if Penn State will continue to pursue Sitake, if that’s the case. If they do, will Sitake be able to balance a potential distraction or have to leave early, similar to Lane Kiffin?