I've not said much about the situation, but I'll weigh in, and get back to my business.
I. Everyone is miserable: Got it. Now, you bascially have 4 options going forward.
1. Butch leaves ASAP: Unlikely, and the fact is, with no AD, and no clear, realistic upgrades, this would be likely catastrophic. If this is what you want, this is what you should expect to see as a result.
2. Butch bombs next season and is fired: Ok, maybe more firm footing for the AD to possibly make a better hire, but next season would suck. No guarantees about the next coach either. I certainly don't want next season to suck.
3. Butch does fair next season, 8 wins: If he truly wants out, he may be able to have some leverage at that point. If he is average again, and stays, we are kind of stuck.
4. Next season is a success and we win the East: Butch learns from some mistakes, changes are made in the staff, the youth who played this year grow and develop, Shoop fixes whatever the heck went on this season, and the Vols are back on track. Everyone seems to agree Butch will be as strong as his staff, and this is where he will be made or broken this off season. Of course, this could be a "peak" season, and he slides back to scenario 3, but one season at a time.
Given the 4 possible outcomes above, the 4th is most conducive to my happiness as a fan, and that's where I'm at. I'm still hoping he gets it done, but you won't hear me confidently spouting rainbows.