Imagine turning down millions of dollars – a king's ransom, really – to stay true to your values. That's precisely what Kalani Sitake, BYU's head football coach, did when Penn State came calling. But what drove this decision? It's a story of faith, loyalty, and a deep connection to something bigger than just the game.
When the prestigious Penn State, hungry for a new leader, aggressively pursued Sitake, he assembled his own 'dream team' of advisors. This wasn't just your typical agent consultation; this was a council of legends, including Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. Young, a BYU icon himself, went so far as to declare on a national platform that Penn State would have to "rip him from our bloody hands" to get Sitake! This single statement arguably cemented Young's legacy even further in the hearts of Cougar fans.
But here's where it gets personal. Just as influential as these football giants was Patti Edwards, the wife of the late, legendary BYU coach LaVell Edwards, who was Sitake's mentor. At 93 years old, Patti regularly offers Sitake guidance, a practice that continued throughout Penn State's courtship. Sitake explained, "I get advice from Patti quite a bit in the program, and so I sought her advice during this time, too. She was amazing. She wasn’t trying to make a decision for me on anything, but she just told me about the value of BYU and the value of being some place for a long time and how it helped her family, and how it was such a feeling of ease for LaVell. I took that into account quite a bit."
And this is the part most people miss: It wasn't just Penn State. Several other schools also expressed interest in Sitake, making his decision even more complex. BYU, understanding the stakes, stepped up financially, offering Sitake a significantly increased salary to remain in Provo. However, sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed that Penn State's offer dwarfed BYU's, potentially by millions of dollars annually – a top-tier, market-setting proposal from a Big Ten powerhouse. So, why did he stay?
The answer, in many ways, is etched on a wall in BYU's Student Athlete Building: "We follow the example of the toughest man to ever walk the earth, our Savior Jesus Christ. — Kalani Sitake." This statement, so central to Sitake's philosophy, couldn't be displayed so openly at a public university like Penn State. It speaks volumes about the values that guide his leadership.
Sitake, who has steered BYU to an impressive 23-3 record over the past two seasons and is on the verge of a College Football Playoff berth, prioritizes service and love alongside the game. Or, perhaps more accurately, integrates them seamlessly. As he puts it, "Football’s cool when the gospel’s in it." This isn't just lip service; it's a core tenet of his coaching philosophy.
LaVell Edwards instilled in Sitake the belief that faith and football are not mutually exclusive. Edwards himself turned down opportunities with the Detroit Lions and other universities to remain at BYU for 29 years, where he not only amassed 257 wins but also served as a bishop within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Could this be seen as a limiting factor in BYU's athletic ambitions by some? It’s a fair question to consider.
In a deeply personal revelation, Sitake shared how, as a fourth-grader reeling from his parents' divorce, he found solace through Edwards' BYU football players. During a visit to his elementary school in 1984, Vai Sikahema, a player also of Tongan descent, embraced him and reassured him that everything would be alright, a moment that profoundly impacted the young Sitake.
BYU is, in Sitake's own words, his "dream job." He sees his role as an opportunity to positively influence the lives of his players and people across the country, refusing to separate service from his profession and daily life. This commitment resonates deeply with his players. Tanner Wall, a former walk-on turned team captain, attests that "Playing for Kalani has changed the trajectory of our lives... That’s why he’s the perfect man for the job… Any label you could find for our lives, Kalani has had a touch point on that."
Following the announcement of his contract extension, Sitake emphasized that service is the overarching mission of BYU and its football program. "I know that my job is to win football games but, man, I feel like my job is much more than that," he stated. "Sometimes we separate service from everyday life, but what I learned from my (Latter-day Saint church) mission is that your service is actually who you have to be.” He believes that service can be offered unconditionally, connecting individuals to something greater.
Sitake views the fusion of football and service as a win-win. Even in defeat, such as the loss to Texas Tech, the opportunity to serve remains. In that instance, Cougar fans rallied and raised $65,000 for the wife of the Texas Tech football team's barber, who had been involved in a serious car accident, demonstrating the program's commitment to service beyond the field. This action showed the character of the fans, and by extension, the program. Now, organized tailgate service projects are a fixture at every BYU away game.
For Sitake, BYU football's culture is built on "love and learning," a philosophy embraced by players of all faiths. Despite some perceptions that prioritizing love and learning might be seen as a weakness in the competitive world of football, Wall argues that their success on and off the field proves otherwise. Could this emphasis on 'love and learning' be a competitive advantage or a potential disadvantage in the cutthroat world of college football?
While some BYU fans expressed concern that the Penn State situation overshadowed the excitement surrounding the Big 12 championship game, Sitake clarified that he never actively sought the Penn State position. Furthermore, he expressed his own concerns about the current state of college football, where schools aggressively poach coaches mid-season. Penn State itself had fired its head coach early in the season, and other programs have made similar moves. "We don’t blame Kalani for that," a BYU source explained. "We hope fans will have patience for him and understand the current NCAA market."
Ultimately, Sitake wanted to feel valued, not just in terms of salary, but also in the overall investment in his players and staff. BYU responded by granting him his fourth extension in four years, increasing compensation across the board and committing to generating additional NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money for players. He was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from BYU fans, stating that it was a "definite boost to my self esteem."
Sitake also offered an apology to fans for the distraction caused by the situation, emphasizing his desire to return focus to the game. He expressed his appreciation for the fans' unwavering support and the unique atmosphere of BYU game days. As BYU President Shane Reese stated, Sitake embodies the Christ-centered values of the university and is a perfect fit for the program. "Someone said recently that BYU wants to win, but BYU wants to win as a family. Kalani is family, and we couldn’t be more pleased that he’ll be staying at BYU for all the right reasons and leading our football program in the Big 12 Championship this week."
Sitake values the freedom to openly discuss faith and spirituality within the context of football at BYU. He encourages players of all faiths to deepen their spirituality, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. BYU's unique blend of faith, academics, and athletics has created a powerhouse program that attracts players and coaches who share its values.
In the end, Sitake's decision underscores the power of loyalty, faith, and a commitment to something larger than oneself. He chose a place where he feels valued, where he can make a difference, and where he can lead with integrity, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the BYU community. As his advisors, including Andy Reid and Steve Young, hoped, he stayed. And as snow fell softly on Provo, it felt like a victory not just for BYU football, but for the values that Sitake holds dear.
So, after reading this story, what do you believe is more important: chasing the money or staying true to one's values? In the high-stakes world of college football, is it possible to balance winning with maintaining a distinct mission and values? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
