BYU Keeps Kalani Sitake With Long-Term Deal as Penn State Search Stalls

Donor-backed funding with NIL commitments helped BYU counter Penn State’s push, underscoring an escalating market.

Overview

BYU confirmed Tuesday that Kalani Sitake rejected Penn State and agreed to a “long-term” extension to remain head coach.
Multiple outlets report the new deal is roughly $9 million per year, which would place Sitake at or near the top of Big 12 salaries.
On3 reports BYU is committing an additional $10–$15 million to NIL operations and boosting staff salary pools with donor support.
Penn State, which reportedly offered north of $10 million annually and viewed Sitake as its frontrunner, remains without a head coach nearly eight weeks into its search.
Sitake’s retention, following a 83–44 record over 10 seasons and a 22–3 mark the past two years, highlights donor-driven spending that could reshape Big 12 competitiveness.