FRISCO, Texas — When controversy surrounded Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, Joey McGuire's phone filled with messages — not from recruits or reporters, but from fellow Big 12 head coaches.
Coaches across the conference reached out to make sure McGuire was doing okay.
“Erik Morris, the first day any news broke, called me and said, ‘Hey man, I’m just doing a well check,’” said McGuire. “He’s a good friend of mine. (BYU coach) Kalani (Sitake), a great friend of mine, said the same thing.”
The feeling is mutual for Sitake.
“We’re really good friends and he knows how to get to my heart,” Sitake said. “Go buy a meal for me. Take me to dinner and buy me a steak.”
The relationships among the Big 12 coaches stretch beyond the football field.
Like any other group of friends, the Big 12 coaches even have a group chat.
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, one of the younger coaches in the conference, keeps the conversation light and "goofy," Sitake said.
“I love all these cultures,” Sitake said. “They’re all my friends. It makes it even harder because I know what great leaders they are. There’s a true friendship there, but it does not make it any less competitive.”
Sitake believes his friendship with McGuire made the two losses against Tech last season even harder to overcome.
“Joey’s the reason why we didn't get what we wanted,” Sitake said. “It’s all him, my friend, who I love. I’m giving him a hug and telling him I love him. That’s what makes it even more fun.”
McGuire wasn't the only coach who spoke warmly about others. Each coach only had good things to say about one another throughout Big 12 football media days.
“Kalani is the type where I imagine he’s got a lot of friends,” said Baylor coach Dave Aranda. “But he’s someone that I’ve known for a while. Whether I’ve been up or down or all around, he’s treated me with total respect. So I have a lot of respect for him.”
Even the new coaches get love and support immediately upon entering the conference. Morgan Scalley, new head coach at Utah, has already felt that love.
“Morgan Scalley is a good friend of mine,” said Sitake. “We worked together for a decade at Utah when I was coaching there ... Nothing has really changed there.”
On Nov. 7, friendship between Sitake and Scalley will take the stage as they meet in The Holy War at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"It's definitely a mutual respect," Scalley said when commenting on The Holy War. "I just think the way Kalani and I model our relationship with one another and the respect we have for each other and our programs should lead the way."