The implicit assumption of many posters on this thread is that high profile coaches are lined up to come to coach the Vols if only the University would pony up the cash.
Compensation is one component, and only one component, of attracting a good hire. Successful people want to understand how they can be successful in a new position. TN has not been an attractive destination for proven coaches lately, for a lot of obvious reasons. Personally, I don't think throwing (more) money at it would have mattered a lot. Once the roster is restocked and stability is restored, that should change. I hope Pruitt is the HBC for a long time. But if he is only there for two or three more years, he at least has to get the right players and show progress. If he can do that we are on the right path back.