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Nate Orchard doesn't do social media.
Westlee Tonga does — you can follow him on Twitter at @WTonga. But in an era where any coach with cachet is automatically buzzed-about for any job perceived to require such cachet, don't expect the senior tight end to dwell on the postseason rumors that flit down his timeline.
"There's nothing to discuss, because nobody knows anything," he said Sunday. "And anybody who says they do is pretty much just lying to you."
Two Utah coaches — head coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake — have been the subject of conjecture about now-open jobs and others that may come open soon.
Utah's Las Vegas Bowl opponent, Colorado State, is thought by some outsiders likely to consider Sitake as a potential replacement for Florida-bound Jim McElwain. Utah's first opponent next year, Michigan, may have Kyle Whittingham somewhere on its far-ranging radar.
Orchard said he's not deaf. He's heard about it. But, "Whatever happens happens."
If they were to leave, "it's a bummer," said the senior defensive end and team captain. "Guys really want their coach they came in with, that recruited them, to be here still, but it's all in the nature of the business."
Orchard said Sitake — who oversees one of the nation's most consistently successful defenses and has a reputation as an outstanding recruiter — has earned a head-coaching gig. If it came to that, he'd be happy for him.
Running backs coach Dennis Erickson said Monday that Sitake's camaraderie with the players and his football acumen make him a strong candidate.
"He's going to be a tremendous head coach someday, as far as I'm concerned," he said. "And I've seen a lot of coaches."
As of Monday, at least, that day was not on the immediate horizon.
Sitake, who was made available to media after Utah's first bowl preparation, said there may be discussions going on behind the scenes, but that those are nothing new.
"It's not like this year's any different than the past," he said. "I've looked at opportunities, and people have talked to me about it, and I'm still here. I've put a lot of time into this place, and a lot of my life into this place, and I want to see Utah succeed, and I think we can go beyond what we've done right now. You know, if something comes along that's better, I think everybody would wish the best for me, but I think it's got to be something that fits perfectly for what I want."
Right now, Sitake said, that means recruiting and preparing for Colorado State — preparing to beat Colorado State, that is. Not interview with them. He can do his job and listen to what other schools may have to offer at the same time, he said.
Whittingham said Sunday that he doesn't talk to players about most of the rumors.They're normal for this time of the year, he said. Particularly for a team like Utah, that is on the heels of a successful season. "But if it's something that gets really blown up, then we address it with the players."
It hasn't come to that yet, and it may not.
Twitter: @matthew_piper —
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
at Sam Boyd Stadium
Utah vs. Colorado St.
P Saturday, Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m. TV • Ch. 4