While BYU Cougars football head coach Kalani Sitake has consistently denied rumors about leaving for the NFL, a new report has sparked speculation that he might be considering a move to a different role. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sitake could be eyeing the head coaching vacancy with the Las Vegas Raiders.
This new development comes amid ongoing conversations surrounding the Raiders’ search for a permanent head coach. The team recently parted ways with Josh McDaniels, and as the NFL season progresses, several candidates are being linked to the role. Sitake, known for his leadership at BYU and his ability to turn around the Cougars’ football program, is reportedly one of the individuals under consideration.
While Sitake has firmly dismissed the idea of leaving BYU for the NFL in the past, his name has nonetheless surfaced in connection with the Raiders’ head coaching job. The Las Vegas Review-Journal report highlights that Sitake’s experience and success in leading a high-profile program like BYU could make him an appealing candidate for the NFL. His leadership, coaching acumen, and the culture he’s built at BYU may align with the Raiders’ current needs as they look to stabilize the team.
However, Sitake’s loyalty to BYU, where he has served as head coach since 2016, remains a significant factor. Under his guidance, the Cougars have seen a resurgence, including a successful transition to the Big 12 Conference. It’s unclear whether Sitake is seriously considering the Raiders’ position, or if this is merely speculation at this point.
As the search for a new head coach in Las Vegas continues, Sitake’s name will undoubtedly remain a topic of conversation, leaving fans and analysts wondering if the opportunity to lead an NFL team might be too tempting to pass up.