I agree. We were too far down as a program to play any other way than the long game.
i don't think that's THE reason. i think it's a conscious decision on how the program will be built from this point forward. aTm chose a different path, of course they weren't as far off as we are, but it's still a decision.....from the coach you pursue, and are not willing to take 'no' as an answer...aTm has gone all in on jimbo in a big way. doesnt' mean it's right, but they picked a path, and that path has dictated their decision making process.
our path is different. but the point is, at least we've made a choice, and it seems that choice is dictating our decision making processes. that, in and of itself, is a good thing.
TBD on if it works...for us and aTm. right now there's two places that have picked paths, made decisions as a result, and it's worked. Bama and UGA. you could argue successfully that UK football belongs in that conversation, just a different set of criteria as far as results are concerned...though i'd say UK is pleased with them.
err'body else....not so much. LSU, FL, Auburn, us...on down the line. none of us have gotten it right yet, even in relative terms. several look like they maybe have corrected that, but time will tell....early returns for TN, USCe, Ole Miss, and MSU look pretty good.