This thread ... smh.
FWIW, anyone thinking Mario doesn't know that he needs a new OC is clearly on the spectrum. I would be shocked if they weren't already exploring replacement OC options the moment Gattis was hired since they knew he was a 1-and-done or 2-and-done hire regardless, just didn't expect it to be as a result of his failures but his successes. And that succession planning certainly accelerated following MTSU and A&M, and went into emergency-break-glass mode after UVA.
Personally, I would have moved Gattis to a non-play-calling role midseason. Regardless, there's no reason to announce he's been replaced until they land on his replacement, which avoids or at least mitigates the media circus around the interview process.
Whether or not they found the right guy, came to agreement and are ready to announce today, no clue. Would mean Ferman has an inside source for the first time in two decades, so I tend to doubt it. But Mario will get it done soon enough. He doesn't need an OC in place to go portalling for transfers. So the only dependency an OC hire holds up is the decision around position coach changes.