BYU is Whittingham's Alma mater. He knows very well what the program is capable of and the types of players that can be attracted here. He and his family have been around through some of the best years BYU has produced.

Whittingham has made his home in Utah, where BYU is located. He has deep ties to the area. BYU is the only head-coaching job and that would enable him to stick around and not necessarily settle for a lesser program. It certainly was not a lesser program when the Whittingham's were here.

Whittingham also accepted at BYU before being talked into the Utah offer, largely by his players. If the relationship with his boss is as bad as reported, this likely would not work again. He signed here once. Why not now?

Finally, contrary to somewhat popular belief around here, the bar would not be terribly high at BYU after the past five years. Kyle would be expected to run a clean program, and win the games he should. Play quality ball, and adding the occasional marquis win without incredible boneheaded decisions would probably keep most of the natives at least somewhat content. Deliver a "special" season at BYU with the right image, and fans will hold out for a long time as long as you appear competent (see Dave Rose).