Several wild assumptions. I don't get this myth that we can pay competitively. We've proven we will pay competitively for both HCs and for assistant coordinators. And to say Butch is the only answer is silly. Many other options. Not saying it's a bad option but certainly not the only answer.
Not really assumptions.
Shannon and Golden were paid under 2.5 million dollars. That is very much below the competitive level for a top tier coach. We haven't paid big since Coker and Butch, Dennis, and Jimmy were not paid at an elite level. Only Howard really was given big money.
Look back at the post and reread what I specifically said. Butch is the only answer that is a proven winner and cheap. If you have an alternate suggestion that meets that criteria, I'd love to hear it.
As far as other option, the program cannot afford to make another chance hire by selecting a coordinator or an up and comer at a lower tier school. We need to hire away another big time school's coach or somebody else who has succeeded at a high collegiate level and is available. Jim Leavitt comes to mind.