For decades, there was no particular urgency when coaches conducted exit interviews with players once the season ended.

That has changed in the transfer portal era. Coaches want to know the status of key returners sooner than later. In particular, they want to have a conversation with their guys before someone else tries to bend their ears.

For San Diego State, those discussions began a month ago, during an off week between victories over Nevada and Fresno State.

“We try to get ahead of it all so that doesn’t become a distraction,” SDSU coach Sean Lewis said. “Day-to-day, it’s about making sure that the players know they feel valued and continue to build the relationship, most importantly, so when we get to the dollars, it already makes sense, and we’re able to move forward and retain o

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