There hasn't been much talk about Alonzo Highsmith since the whole debacle last winter. There also doesn't seem to be much talk that Blake is going to lose his job in the immediate future, despite what the fan base hopes. I am under the impression Blake will not be involved in the hiring of a new HC, should that process happen (when it happens).
It seems to me Highsmith could be the perfect "bridge" to consider bringing in right now if/when the Admin make the decision to fire Manny. Establish the "Football Ops " position or whatever you want to call it .(Assistant AD for football?) Remove Blake completely from involvement with football now, establishing AH as the point person to the Admin and BOT Athletic committee. I would think Blake's feelings would be irrelevant at this point.
. AH would be able to work with the "interim HC" as well as get a look at what the state of the program is from the inside. He would be an integral part of the search/interview process for a new HC, bringing his NFL experience to the process. I think involving someone like AH would also give the fan base and the alumni some assurance that the entire hiring process had some credibility this time. He would also be a great resource and sounding board for the interim HC and the rest of the staff.
IF the Admin is not inclined to get rid of Blake James, bringing in someone like Alonzo Highsmith would signal that they are indeed committed to the football program. It means creating a position and salary for someone with experience. It would also give them the time to make a decision on Blake for the future; maybe they decide to get rid of him at the end of the fall semester. If the small sample of AH overseeing the football program has gone well, he would already be in place to possibly take on the bigger challenge of the full AD position, should there be mutual interest.
As much as the fanbase wants to "blow up" the whole athletic department, it doesn't make sense that the Admin will go this route immediately. There are definite benefits to cutting the cord with Manny sooner rather than later, since it is looking more and more likely that is where this is all heading. Bringing in someone like Highsmith gives them an out for the short term. The costs of firing Manny, bringing in a new coach and his likely buyout, as well as creating a new salary (Highsmith) to help clean up the HC mess could ultimately be the " for cause" needed to get rid of Blake at the end of the semester.
Just a few thoughts. The BOT and Admin have the opportunity to really make a move for the future. We'll see where it all goes most likely in the next few weeks...
