If you’re an AD, it seems like one of the top priorities for your job would be to have a list of coaches you want to target ready to go at all times. Even more so if you feel your current guy’s seat is slightly warm. And then be ready to go asap. If you’re the one doing the firing, and picking your time, how are you not ready?
When Saban retired he made his decision on the 8th, told his AD on the 9th, told the players on the 10th. That night Byrne had his top 2 targets of DeBoer and Norvell. Interviewed both of them on the 11th, offered DeBoer the job on the 12th. He was announced on the 14th. 48 hours from Saban’s announcement to having his guy.
Granted that was Alabama, the offseason, and the same agent for Saban, DeBoer, and Norvell. And Saban had warned Byrne that it was coming in the next year or two.
But 50+ days? So what, you thought you had your first (2nd, 3rd) guy but his school matched and he backed out? And then you let all of the G5 coaches and OCs get snapped up while you wait for the Tongan to receive a sign from the ghost of Joseph Smith if he should stay in Utah?