But the reason he wasn’t was specifically about the game was because of Sitake himself, who is reported to be in serious negotiations to take the vacant head coaching job at Penn State.

Just minutes prior to the press conference, footballscoop.com, which focuses on College coaching movements reported that Sitake is currently negotiating potential staff additions should be become the Nittany Lions new head coach.

“Nothing about this is a done deal at this point, but it has advanced enough that potential staff composition has been a topic of discussion,” wrote footballscoop.com, “Sources indicated Sitake is strongly considering staff options should they come to an agreement.”

On3 Sports Network confirmed the report later in the day, adding that Sitake has emerged as Penn State’s top choice in its coaching hunt.

“Sources have told On3 that the Nittany Lions have made clear to Sitake that they will offer a lucrative salary pool, includinng defensive coordinator Jay Hill,” On3 wrote. “The Cougars’ 56-19 (.747) record since the 2020 season ranks as the seventh-best mark among FBS programs behind only Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Notre Dame and Michigan.”

Sitake was asked directly about the footballscoop.com report during his joint press conference along with Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire and Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yorkmark, to which he bluntly replied, “I think I commented on it before. I’m all about the Big 12 Conference Championship Game and keeping our team focused on that. So I’m going to avoid all the distractions.”

So what was the comment Sitake alluded to in the above response? He didn’t really address the negotiations with Penn State specifically, but did mention how he’s handling all the reports and rumors inhouse.

“I have to address it because the world is small now,” Sitake explained. “…I’ll address it, but (the players) are also used to me saying that this is a good sign that things are going well for us. But I will say that this isn’t about me. What I’ve asked our team to do is to be focused on what we can accomplish…We’re trying to finish the season the right way and get after us. It’s required that we be at our best to go up against a team like Texas Tech.”

Coaches typically ardently work to eliminate team distractions, although Sitake mentioned the current distraction of him packing up and leaving for Happy Valley may be worthwhile, at least in some regard.

“This is a good distraction for our team,” Sitake said, perhaps due to other programs aren’t typically interested in coaches of bad or even mediocre football teams. “But for right now we need to be focused on giving it our best shot in this game against Texas Tech.”

Regarding the suggestion that their may be some type of fracture in his existing relationships with BYU’s administration, and particularly with Athletic Director Brian Santiago, to at least some degree where he’d seriously explore leaving his current post, Sitake spoke highly of all involved.

“I have a great relationship with our president, our vice president, and with our Athletic Director,” Sitake said. “So the relationships have been amazing with me…I think there’s very capable people here at BYU, and I’m just proud and honored that they’d give me a voice.”

Regarding his compensation, which is typically a sticking point when coaches look to coach elsewhere, Sitake largely skirted the issue regarding satisfaction with his overall salary.

“I’ve gained weight, you can tell,” Sitake quipped. “I’m living a good life, so the more Joey (McGuire) buys dinner for me, the better life can get.”

Whether Sitake determines his life, or at least his coaching opportunity would be improved at Penn State remains to be seen, but what has been determined is all of it places a unique, and perhaps unwelcome added specter on to what is one of the most important weeks of BYU football history.