I’ve been very honest that while I think he’s done a great job at IU, I still have questions. I’ve also said that based on that he wouldn’t, but I’d be fine if he were to be given the shot here.
As for his signing an extension, it absolutely means that he prefers a less pressure job where there are predefined limitations than to land a major job. Even take UF out if the equation this year. At this point in 2025 we could realistically see Oklahoma, UF, Aub, USC, even potentially slight chances of OhSt, Michigan, LSU or Alabama. Yes, it’s a payday but it’s still a far cry from what he could make, which tells me he’s comfortable, something I can respect. Similar to Lane, I have no desire to have someone come in and go through the motions or feels they can just win with scheme and motivation or because they’re just “a winner”. I have no issue with either of them if they stay where they’re at because it’s better for all parties.
To your last point, Indiana is ranked fifth right now behind three 1-loss teams, in large part because they feel that while thieve had a nice run, they’re not a serious contender. For that matter, if teams like Ala, uga or even the vols didn’t have 2 losses, they’d still be in front of them and IU would be 8th as they were in the first ranking. They’re at 5th almost because someone has to be there, not because they truly feel the Hoosiers are one of the 5 best teams in the country.
And the conference has nothing to do with it. Big Ten teams like Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, USC will always have a legit shot at winning it all. It’s not the SEC but they get tested and have talent. But as multiple people have said, teams, like Indiana will make the playoff, maybe even host around one game and probably get bounced by a team like Alabama or uga who’s stumbled a few times and fallen back in the rankings simply because of the grind. The easy path argument was way more applicable when it mean winning two games in a 4 team playoff, and certainly easier in the BCS era. The reality is it’s become harder for those mid level programs to win it all, not easier, because of how many wins it would take. I get that you like him, and I can respect what he’s done. But he’s not winning anything at Indiana, and he knows that. Or he’s dumb and believes he can. Again, not knocking him for either. I just wouldn’t want him as my primary choice.