Kalani Sitake Shocks College Football, Turns Down $7.5M Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Stay Loyal to BYU
In an era where loyalty in college football is increasingly rare, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has made a decision that’s sending shockwaves through the sport. According to multiple reports, Sitake turned down lucrative $7.5 million annual offers from powerhouse programs Georgia and Notre Dame choosing instead to remain at the helm of his beloved Brigham Young University Cougars.
Sitake’s choice defies the modern trends of coaching mobility and big-money deals. Georgia, fresh off another dominant playoff run, reportedly made Sitake a top target to replace a departing coordinator and reshape their leadership for the next decade. Notre Dame, too, was said to be “all in” on Sitake, seeing his steady hand, culture-driven leadership, and player development record as the missing piece to a national title push.
But Sitake never wavered.
> “BYU is family,” he said in a statement. “This isn’t just a job it’s a calling. I love these players, this community, and what we stand for.”
Since taking over in 2016, Sitake has transformed BYU into one of the most respected programs in college football balancing competitive excellence with character, faith, and integrity. Under his leadership, the Cougars have earned multiple top-25 finishes, produced NFL-level talent, and successfully transitioned into Big 12 competition without losing their cultural identity.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe praised Sitake’s loyalty and vision, calling his decision “a defining moment for the program.”
> “You can’t put a price on what Kalani means to BYU. He’s built something special something that goes beyond wins and losses.”
Fans across the nation have responded with overwhelming admiration. Social media lit up with praise, many calling Sitake “the most loyal coach in America” and “the heart of BYU football.”
While money and prestige may lure many, Sitake’s refusal of two of the sport’s most coveted offers serves as a powerful reminder that loyalty and purpose still matter in college football.
With his eyes fixed on bringing a Big 12 title to Provo, Sitake has once again proven that sometimes, the greatest victories happen off the field.
