I do believe the buyout part really happened. He knows he is in over his head and was gonna get fired with getting a buyout eventually. No way 7-5 saves his job, sounds like he has already been made aware he will not be back. Money isnt an issue if donors are offering to pay the buyout money. Gotta figure Graham, Hinshaw and Pittman could be retained. Sal could be retained as LB coach but definitely not DC. Hart knows this will be his chance to solidify his mark as an AD and will make a good hire. Gruden, Cower, Stoops, Patterson, Peterson, Strong would be really good hires. Obviously Gruden, Cower and Stoops would be Great, HR hires. Doubt Cower is an option but Gruden and Stoops are options. Im just a fan so here would be my top 10 wants and realistic possibilities.
1.Gruden
2.Stoops
3a.Peterson
3b.Patterson
3c.Strong
6.Tressel
7.Del Rio
8. C. Kelly
9. Sumlin (E Who we could have had when we hired Dooley, but doubt he leaves A'M this soon.
10. Smart
Like I said I dont claim to be a coaching expert but would satisfied with any of these hires with the first 2 being unbelievable siked and best shots at winning quickly.