We, me included, focus on wins and losses. But the AD and the school have additional concerns. Costs for one. But also integrity of the program, player treatment, etc. if he treats his players well and they all graduate, and are good community members, maybe the school can live with that for another year. Competing at that level is a 0-sum game; not every team can be above average in wins, and if you don’t have additional metrics ….
Also universities may be more conscious of expenses in this political environment, outside of FB and MCBB