Hmm. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he arrive just last January and also salvage a recruiting class and bring in some OL?
I would imagine last year, he was putting out the closer fires- lack of OL, lack of QB, changing the attitudinal culture of the players in preparation for football season, getting his staff in place, convincing Foley to come out of the past and at least start to get competitive with other schools in facilites, organizing the intrasturcture, and recruiting.
Of course, he saw this was a problem, at least as the year progressed. Getting a viable team on the field for the fall was probably the biggest priority, and initiating the groundwork for the improved facilities to aid recruiting was a huge step in becoming competitive in recruiting, as is team performance.
Now a year into his program, with some of the more immediate issues having solutions in place or unfolding, he can put more effort and time into cultivating the high school coach relationships. That's my take on it. The man is about building relationships, I doubt he was unaware of the need for relationships with HS coaches..