There have been enough statements from various principals to piece it together.
AD Dave called Randy when he took the job and maybe before to get his take on the program. Would there be anyone else?
Clearly, they hit it off well enough to keep in communication over the last year or so.
As Diaco's program fell apart (I think it fell apart more than simply failed like PP), AD Dave clearly was looking around. If we had a problem with Diaco's approach and explanations surely a guy with his experience would also see it.
I doubt that RE was at the top of the list in October (Pre Big 12 decision), but once the financial and PR realities of being stuck in the AAC set in, his options were limited. No hot coordinator, no coach with P5 aspirations, no money to overpay to get one, and no cache to offer an up and comer. With the prospects of another risky/bad hire, BD was set for another year.
Then the last 4 games happened, the fan revolt happened, there was a meeting where Dave was told that if you can pay for it, make a move that isn't going to cost more than we can afford.
Dave searched for the money, along the way he probably found some RE supporters. It didn't sound so crazy, if the numbers worked. A few more calls, more money in support. Maybe a background check. Other feelers to other candidates didn't show interest, we're too expensive, or too risky. I believe Dave put a premium on an experienced guy. How many guys with that resume would come at a low price?
BD was brought it to talk about changes, maybe Kill, maybe other changes to staff and/or approach. Clearly it was not satisfactory to Dave. The fan revolt was real and going to get worse, especially when an earlier loss/WTF moment was a near certainty.
Dave thinks. Why not? He won here, he has support. Could he truly be accepted back? Could we afford him? More calls are made. The respect for the man in the biz is real, the former players love him, he has skills that are coveted. Why not explore it.
On RE's end, he spent 12 years here, built it, owned it. Of course, he cares about the program. That story about seeing his former players every Sunday swells his heart. DanO chattering in his ear every week about what has become of it. What a shame.
The call is made. Really? Can we do that? Does he want to do that? Dave puts his cards on the table. Randy does also. The issues are addressed one by one, none seem so big compared to the potential payoff. A deal is made. Bob is shown the door.
