I agree, it's always tougher coaching someone else's recruits, unless that someone else is reviled. Following JC was on par with following the likes of a Dean Smith or John Wooden. Ollie has handled the baton much better than expected. He's still learning, and he was handicapped by the post season ban and also realignment, but overall I'm pleased.
His real advantage should be in recruiting. Let's see how that goes over the next few years. He's getting good pub from the media and his players, so I'm optimistic.