Intimidated is the wrong word. I think it's sensible to stay in a less demanding environment. When you see a fanbase demanding a coaches head after 2 seasons, why leave where you are? Mark Pope left a D1 program in a power conference. A school that had given no hint they were looking to get rid of him. Now, if he gets fired from UK he will fall to a much lesser situation. Why would a successful coach risk that? They're probably already making a ton of money. Success is no doubt bringing in NIL money.
The whole Blue Blood thing means less than we wish it did these days. Nobody wanted this job 2 years ago. Coaches are under contract, they can't even talk to another program without permission. Feelers get put out before meetings are had, and offers are made. Nobody would even talk to Mitch but the Baylor guy, and he said no.
We better hope Pope gets it together next season. Because unless Donovan wants the job, there won't be a big upgrade.