The key point in all of this is that the "rules of the game," both literal and figurative, are still unsettled in the NIL / mass transfer era.
Last decade, y'all were still one of 10-15 programs that offered a coach a realistic shot at winning a NC. That doesn't appear to be the case now, and I don't think the history/brand name is all that essential in that regard, but you still have still a huge resource advantage. In the shoes of Byington, Hoiberg, etc. I'd be thinking, "If I can get enough money to compete for championships, maybe 10th in the league kind of money, and if I'm good at talent evaluation, then I can be in the national championship hunt here as well as in Lexington, Lawrence, or Chapel Hill. And then more money will come in."
And, forgive me for saying, every cash-rich program that doesn't get immediate results is going to boost their self-confidence in this game plan.
(Cignetti's close but a little better situated, with IU's vast alumni base. They don't have to worry about hoops cannibalizing their donations any more.)
Some guys will probably still prefer the prestige of a "dream job." Some will prefer peace of mind, not uprooting family, whatever.
Penn State's administration was arrogant, but their hubris accidentally led to a good hire. Michigan's administration was bumbling and asleep, but they've accidentally ended up with a good hire.
Alabama has done fine not to overreact, and they certainly got their man, but word is his family's not really comfortable there. Will be interesting to see if that leads to a reevaluation of jobs like Bama's.
