UCLA's Chip Kelly, who has spent 11 years coaching in the Pac-12, told ESPN that he is "so affectionate towards the conference" but recognizes realignment is part of the sport.

“I’m so affectionate towards the conference and have so many good friends here,” Kelly told ESPN at Pac-12 media day. "The Pac-12 is a special place, but it was one of those deals … I found out [UCLA was leaving] two hours before it was going to happen.“

“When I made the decision to come coach at USC, it was to come coach [in the Pac-12],” [Riley] said. “In a short time, been able to make and create great relationships within this conference, whether it’s the other coaches, the other schools, the administrators here, getting to play at the different venues.”