flirting with Arizona hire is that he came in here saying things like, “I want to do the unbelievable” here. Or, “however far you think we can go, we want to go farther” Or “when I imagine winning it all and the place I want to be when that happens, this is it’”. (I’m para phrasing but I think that’s mostly correct).

He’s definitely intimated about how special BYU is and that he wants to win a national title here.

It seems odd then to send puzzles recruiting Haarms and Barcello to stay while holding calls with agents and AD’s.

Pope often talks hyperbolically, which is fine. He’ll say things like Wyatt Lowell can be an all American (he’s seeking transfer), Haarms can go to NBA (he almost certainly can’t) etc. I don’t want to think he’s being disingenuous or just an opportunist. The over the top optimism—while simultaneously seeking/entertaining other opportunities do, as another posted said, “take the shine” off a little for me. It can all be perceived as fake or even self promotional if this job is just a stepping stone. Go back and watch his interviews when he’s an assistant here and he’s very subdued and calm. Not the energetic eternal optimist he now comes off as. Is it all a ploy?

Of course there’s no problem with seeking higher profile job, bigger challenges, and more money, easier path to recruiting. Just felt like he knew all that when he came on and still elevated our collective hopes.

It’s dangerous for me and us to say this because we don’t know his heart or the details, but what else is a fan message board for but a place more mostly grown men to complain in anonymity 🤷‍♂️ 😜.

But if he does leave I hope we don’t see some corny post about how much he loves BYU nation and that’s he’s always a Cougar. Just go lol.

We’re all prob emotional cause he felt like a long time hire, a pillar of BYU sports, and one of us. Still hope he stays and the good momentum continue. I’m still all in and would be devastated if he leaves because I believe in him. Glad, for now, he’s still here.

GoCougs!