Pastner is likely towing the company line with his public comments if he "agrees" continuing the series is in the best interest of both programs. Sure, financially speaking, for the entire Memphis AD, it makes sense because they get that football money every other year which trumps basketball money 90% of the time. However, I'd say he personally would just as soon anything "UT" stay far and fast away from Memphis.
If Pastner is fired, the next coach will feel the same way most likely, just as Cal did before him.