Its not and wasnt a massive gamble, Stein was a hot name as was Brian Hartline.
And as it goes, the board would be crying their eyes out if a big10 school, who's been winning all the football championships lately, scooped him up. And yes, they were courting him...hes considering one of the most creative offensive minds in football.
And of course, if he went to another small school, and killed it, as sumrall...then ppl, as it goes, would be crying we didn't get him when we had the chance when he then moved on to a major school.
And no, its not some defense of mitch, bc i actually think rich Brooks and Jacob tamme were the ones that put Stein into play