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After the Idaho State game, we knew a contract extension for coach Kalani Sitake was coming. I mean, how many athletic directors wear a shirt supporting their football coach during post-game celebrations and don’t follow through? Actually, how many ADs actually show that level of support — whether or not their football coach’s contract is closer to ending?

But still, the fact that everything was finalized by Monday morning seemed to catch some people off guard. Not that Sitake got the extension, but how quickly it came after the Cougars accepted a bowl invitation.

Was everything pretty much already set in motion and AD Tom Holmoe just wanted the cherry on top to get the papers ready? That's what it seems like.

Sitake was pretty mum about the whole thing (but that’s how he usually is about most things). The fourth-year coach said he didn’t deal much with negotiations — he left that up to his agent.

But Holmoe’s surprise in the locker room, which was when he notified the team of his decision, still surprised Sitake.

Throughout the season, especially during the Cougars' three-game skid, the players have been vocal about their support for their coach. They have all been aware that their performance this season would weigh heavily on whether Holmoe would extend Sitake's contract.

This week, they were more than excited for their coach. Here's what some of the players had to say:

• “For me, it meant the world. I felt like I was getting a contract extension. Kalani. It’s just more than football to him. I’m just happy for him and happy for his family. We love coach Kalani and everything he stands for.” — defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga

• “I’m going to say, personally for me, it’s a good thing for me. You know, personally, I love him as a coach and outside of football, as well. I was very excited.” — running back Sione Finau

• “I was tripping. I was like ‘heck yeah.’ I was so excited. I was super excited. I was so happy for Kalani. I don’t know man, I just I remember all the time — you don’t know how much he puts his heart and soul into it. Especially after the two losses [to Toledo and South Florida}. It hurt him more than it hurt us, and that hurt a lot of us, too. He really did show his true character all the way through. And I’m so happy for him. I’m so excited to have him again next year, too. It’s going to be dope.” — defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua

• “Like I said, he’s very deserving. This is a coach that works his tail off, does everything and anything that he can to make us better and just put us in the best spot possible. So, I’m happy for him. It’s definitely deserving.” — defensive back Troy Warner

• “Super pumped. No one deserves it more. Such a good coach and cares about you like a father figure. I mean, he’s the type of coach, any time of day, me or Micah (Simon) or whatever players will go up there in his office and sit down and he’ll ask how your family’s doing. He’s just a good dude. He deserves to be here for a long time. The bumpy road BYU has had in the past, I think that’s just all part of the process and him making this program great. So, I’m happy to have him here.” — quarterback Zach Wilson

More BYU coverage

• AD Tom Holmoe offers contract extension to Kalani Sitake, who will continue to lead the Cougars through 2023 season.

• Jake Toolson left BYU three years ago, but now he’s back and playing better than he ever did in his first stint as a Cougar.

• Elise Flake may lead the team in goals, but her only goal is to help the Cougars go to the College Cup.

• The Cougars recovered from a slow start, but fell to Boise State in overtime, 72-68.

Other voices

• Darnell Dickson of the Provo Herald wrote about soccer forward Lizzy Braby, who has a team-high 13 assists this season.

• TJ Haws talked to KSL’s Sean Walker about his wild buzzer beater to edge out Houston, 72-71, in a thrilling road game.

• Connor Harding serves as a “Swiss army knife” for BYU basketball, Jeff Call of the Deseret News wrote.

Around campus

• The women’s basketball team will take its second road trip of the season to take on Fresno State. The Cougars are 1-1 after routing Texas A&M Kingsville 90-38 in the home opener in Marriott Center last Thursday. BYU has a 7-6 series lead over Fresno State, but it’s been more than a decade since both programs last met.

• The No. 3 BYU cross country teams will compete in NCAA Championships at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind., Saturday. The women automatically qualified for Nationals after winning the NCAA Mountain Region Championships last weekend. The men received an at-large bid after a third-p-lace finish in regionals. The women will race in a 6k at 11:15 a.m. EST, followed by the men’s 10k at 12:15 p.m.

• BYU swimming and diving had two record-breaking times, amongst several other all-time bests, during the first day of the Mizzou Invitational, Wednesday. Gwen Gustafon broke her own school record in the women’s 50-yard freestyle, setting the new No. 1 time at 22.43 seconds. The team of Jake Walters, Josue Dominguez, Javier Matta and Connor Stirling took over the No. 1 spot in school history in the men’s 400-medley relay with a time of 3:11.41. The Invite will continue through Friday.