Penn State Eyes Kalani Sitake for Coaching Role: Latest Updates
Penn State’s search for a new head football coach continues to generate interest as it eyes Kalani Sitake, the current head coach at BYU. The speculation around Sitake has heightened recently, particularly as Penn State seeks a replacement following James Franklin’s firing after six games this season.
Coaching Carousel and Context
The shake-up in coaching staff across top programs has surged, especially within the SEC, where several schools filled vacancies. In contrast, Penn State has remained relatively quiet as they navigate their coaching search.
- James Franklin was released from his position on October 2, 2023.
- Franklin has since secured a new role at Virginia Tech.
- Michigan State quickly hired a new coach after letting go of their previous one.
Kalani Sitake Emerges as a Candidate
Among the potential candidates, Kalani Sitake stands out. Despite ongoing speculation, Sitake has stated that his focus remains on guiding BYU in the upcoming Big 12 title game against Texas Tech. His commitment to BYU has made it unclear how close he is to accepting any offer from Penn State.
Sources familiar with the search have indicated that Sitake is among a select few being considered, although details of the search remain tightly held by Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft.
Other Candidates Considered
Penn State’s coaching search has revealed a few other noteworthy names:
- Pat Fitzgerald, formerly of Northwestern, recently hired by Michigan State.
- Bob Chesney from James Madison, now with UCLA.
- Brian Daboll, former coach of the New York Giants, has been mentioned but is currently unengaged with the Nittany Lions.
- Al Golden, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator and Penn State alum, has shown some interest in the role previously.
Additionally, there have been talks about candidates such as Jeff Brohm from Louisville and Eli Drinkwitz from Missouri, although these coaches recently signed contract extensions.
Implications of the Search
As the coaching search extends, concerns grow regarding Penn State’s recruitment efforts. With the early signing period for high school recruits approaching, the Lions’ class has dwindled to six verbal commitments. This situation necessitates quick action to stabilize the program under new leadership.
Should Penn State decide to hasten its search, the focus will be on retaining current recruits and maintaining momentum through the transition. For now, Kalani Sitake remains a candidate worth monitoring as fans await further developments.
