By that logic then to exaggerate the point why not a high school coach or a D2 or D3 coach right up into the P2.
Why do many college coaches fail in the NFL, even the most successful ones like Meyer and Saban.
Every time you step up a level, the ability of the teams you face goes up and the acumen of the coaches you face goes up.
So you want to see how a candidate does with each step up in “difficulty” so to speak. Any choice isn’t a guarantee but the more of a track record you have against better competition as you go up the ladder, the better chances that your choice might work. Of course there can exceptions like Tressel or Klieman but I don’t think it’s a bad rule of thumb to have.
X’s and O’s Are the same.
Some people prefer and are better relating to pros. Some prefer managing kids. Others like mix. So while yes - not exactly the same - X’s and O’s abs strategy and football iq are the same needed - same!
we need a WINNER!