Gruden, Patterson, Gundy and Strong that I remember hearing of. Could have been others contacted as well or I could have forgotten someone
My memory is hazy, but it seemed like:
- Gruden was in play, but wanted to much $$, and complete control, which Hart would not give up.
- Gundy was a non-starter, he played at OSU, didn't want to leave a good situation there.
- Patterson got pissed off at Hamilton during the Kiffin hiring, and would not talk to Hart/Tenn again.
- Strong was #1 choice and Hart flew up there with a contract in hand over a weekend, and Strong turned him down.
At this point, Hart pushed the panic button on the way back to Knoxville, and diverted the plane to Cinci and interviewed Butch, who desperately wanted the job, and let it be known.... then Hart gave him a contract that week.
So, I don't know of any other options ranked above Butch, obviously if there were, they would have been hired before Butch. But it looks like no one else wanted the job and Butch was the only real choice after Strong.