Kalani Sitake is a Tongan-American football coach and former player currently serving as the head football coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) since December 2015. Under his leadership, BYU has achieved numerous victories throughout his coaching tenure.
Notably, he is recognized as the first Tongan to assume the role of collegiate football head coach. Kalani began his coaching career in 2001 as a defensive backs and special teams coach at Eastern Arizona College. Over the years, he has demonstrated remarkable growth within the profession, ultimately becoming the head coach at BYU in 2016. Kalani's athletic background includes playing for Brigham Young University as a fullback from 1994 to 2000 and with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001.
Kalani Sitake’s Salary and Contract in 2024
In December 2021, Kalani Sitake signed an extension contract with Brigham Young University (BYU) which will span through the 2027 season. This extension marked the second within a year, following an initial contract penned in advance of the 2021 campaign, originally tying him to the program until 2025. The news reported on the circulating rumors and subsequent contract extension, highlighting BYU's efforts to retain Sitake despite external interest.
The program labeled Sitake's extended contract as "unprecedented," emphasizing his value. Athletic director Tom Holmoe expressed immense enthusiasm for Sitake's contributions to the program and his significance to the Cougars.
Previously, Sitake's estimated salary hovered around $1.5 million annually, with a portion sourced from the university and the rest from a booster group known as the "Coaches Circle." With the latest contract described as "unprecedented" and likely aligning with other Big 12 coaches, his salary potentially doubled to around $3 million per year, reflecting the competitive landscape of collegiate coaching salaries within the conference.
Kalani Sitake’s Net Worth
Considering the approximate $3 million salary and four years remaining on his contract, Sitake's net worth ahead of the 2024 college football season is estimated at approximately $12 million. This calculation excludes performance-related bonuses or additional perks associated with his role.
Beyond the monetary value, Sitake's immeasurable worth to the program lies in his consistent and successful leadership for the Cougars. His guidance and unwavering commitment will be crucial as BYU transitions into a new era of football, competing in the Big 12.
Kalani Sitake's journey as a player turned coach, his impressive coaching tenure at various universities, and his pivotal role in BYU's football success has established him as a revered figure in collegiate football. With his extended contract and demonstrated leadership, Sitake continues to be a driving force behind BYU's aspirations for sustained excellence in the competitive realm of college football.
FAQs on Kalani Sitake
A. Kalani Sitake was born on October 10, 1975.
A. Kalani Sitake was born in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, and grew up in Provo, Utah, United States.
A. Yes, Kalani Sitake played college football as a fullback for BYU in 1994, 1997–2000, and for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001.
A. Yes, Kalani Sitake is married to his wife, Timberly Sitake, and they have four children.
