From this long article on ESPN, Whittingham says he had to consult with BYU leadership to see if the church was asking him to come on board.
First time I've heard this narrative.
"That's why Whittingham is still here. He admits that "I've had plenty of other offers, and for more money," but over the winter he signed yet another contract extension. He even turned down his alma mater, but only after consulting with BYU's leadership to ensure that it was the school and not the church that was calling him back home"