$15 Million REJECTED?! Kalani Sitake SHOCKS the Nation — Turns Down LSU & Texas Tech to Stay at BYU… and Kirby Smart’s Bizarre BYU Comment Sparks Chaos… See More…
June 20, 2025 — Provo, UT
In a stunning move that has rocked the college football world, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has turned down two massive offers — a reported \$15 million annually from LSU and a similarly lucrative package from Texas Tech — to remain at his alma mater, BYU.
The decision, confirmed late Thursday night, sent shockwaves across the nation and ignited debate among fans, analysts, and fellow coaches.
Sources close to the situation say Sitake was “deeply tempted” by LSU’s aggressive pitch, which included complete control over the program and access to SEC-level facilities.
Texas Tech also made a strong push, hoping Sitake could replicate BYU’s recent top-10 success in Lubbock. But ultimately, Sitake said his loyalty to BYU and his commitment to building a long-term legacy in Provo were “worth more than any contract.”
“I prayed about it. I talked to my family. And I just knew — BYU is home,” Sitake told reporters during a packed press conference. “Money’s great. SEC lights are bright. But there’s something sacred about coaching at a place that shares your values.”
While Sitake’s decision was widely praised in BYU circles, it drew confusion from other corners of the college football landscape — none more bizarre than Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s reaction.
Speaking at a football camp in Macon, Smart quipped, “BYU must be giving out golden tablets instead of NIL deals. I mean, come on — who turns down \$15 million for Provo?”
The offhand remark immediately went viral, sparking backlash from BYU fans and Mormon communities nationwide. Social media lit up with hashtags like #GoldenRespect and #SitakeLoyalty, while prominent LDS figures called Smart’s comment “tone-deaf” and “ignorant of BYU’s unique mission.”
Later in the day, Smart issued a half-hearted clarification. “Was just joking around,” he said on X (formerly Twitter). “Much respect to Kalani and BYU. Guess some folks can’t take a little humor.”
Back in Provo, Sitake declined to comment on Smart’s statement, instead focusing on the upcoming season. BYU, entering its third year in the Big 12, is considered a dark horse playoff contender — thanks largely to Sitake’s leadership and his ability to recruit nationally while keeping a distinct cultural identity.
Athletic Director Tom Holmoe confirmed that Sitake’s contract had been extended through 2031 with a “competitive but BYU-appropriate” compensation package.
“We’re not LSU, and we’re proud of that,” Holmoe said. “Kalani understands what we’re building here — and clearly, so does the rest of the country now.”
One thing is certain: Kalani Sitake didn’t just reject money. He embraced a mission — and in doing so, he might have just changed college football’s definition of success.