BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, currently in his sixth season at the helm with the Cougars, was considered a candidate for the Oregon Ducks head coaching gig. Instead of getting that job, he’s getting a huge contract extension to stay in Provo, Utah.
Sitake was extended Friday through the 2027 season in what BYU is calling a “new, unprecedented contract.” The school made the announcement with a video on their social media channels.
https://twitter.com/BYUfootball/status/1469414994919841794
“In recent days and weeks, there has been a lot of movement among college football head coaches,” BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in a prepared statement. “Today, I’m thrilled to know that Kalani will continue to be our leader, coach, and mentor going forward. In the past 50 years, BYU has had only four head football coaches. Consistency, creativity, and culture have been our hallmarks. Kalani will continue to strengthen our football team culture and develop young leaders based on his emphasis of ‘love and learning.’ I’m grateful for Kalani and the Sitake family for their commitment to BYU.”
It’s no surprise that BYU would want to wrap Sitake up. His last two seasons have seen BYU finish with double-digit wins and Sitake has a 6-1 record against Power Five schools during his stint. He’s routinely come up as a candidate for various jobs, including Oregon and Washington.
The details of the deal were undisclosed but with BYU set to enter the Big 12 in 2023, it’s smart to lock down their coach for that timeframe in order to make the biggest impact when they arrive.
“As both a former player and a BYU fan, it is an honor to be the head coach at this great university,” said Sitake, a Cougars fullback in 1994 and from 1997 to 2000. “I am blessed to lead a football program full of tremendous young men, outstanding coaches and staff, and the best fans in the world. We’re all excited about the opportunities ahead as we prepare to enter the Big 12.”
College football folks had a lot to say on social media about the BYU head coaching announcement.
This makes me so happy. Kalani just fits at the Y and has brought so much swagger back to the program. His being there has made the rivalry fun again (most recent result notwithstanding). Mostly I’m happy for all my Coug fan friends. https://t.co/XpdbYTTgen
— 🎺 Matty Aces 🎺 (@mattybumbo) December 10, 2021
Good for Kalani Sitake, who has gone 21-3 the past two years. Good on BYU to lock him up. https://t.co/1wXphKVlUj
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 10, 2021
BYU locks up Sitake https://t.co/l2imQ61qfS
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) December 10, 2021
He could’ve gone elsewhere but he decided to stay home! Glad all parties came together to make this happen. 🤙🏼 https://t.co/qyBC4uQtjC
— David Nixon (@D_Nixon) December 10, 2021
Through 2027!
I know coaches can be poached and their contracts bought out at any point, but this definitely gives a lot of peace of mind as a fan.
Happy this got done. https://t.co/aJWuRTGhDr
— Bobby Root (@BRoot88) December 10, 2021
