If the multiple year injury bug had not hit us, there could have been way more publicity, drama and recognition for the accomplishments of both Geno and Tara. Who passed Mike and got to 1200 first would have been very much in doubt.
Before the injuries it looked like Geno passing Tara was going to happen, it was just a matter of time. The current spread largely because of injuries, makes it much more difficult. Stanford is not going to lose many, and if we keep having seasons where we lose 4, 5, or 6 games the gap probably doesn't shrink. If we get back to 0, 1, or 2 being the norm, he can probably catch her before he retires.
Of course with a margin as close as it is, whichever coach retires last is the ultimate winner, but I'm sure Geno would like to pass her first. All this restructuring of conferences could even be a factor here. The Pac 12 is currently very competitive with quite a few serious challengers to Stanford, but their new conference could be even harder.
Regardless it is a major accomplishment for Tara and Geno, but if they had approached the record neck and neck, it probably would have drawn as much attention if not more than Clark chasing Plum does right now.