I think, when you're the HC of Texas, the door is open for you to develop relationships with Texas high schools. This isn't 1972 when you have to get word of mouth to find talent. The type of talent Texas recruits will be published. If you're not a huge jerk, you'll be welcome on campus to talk, just like anyone else.
What I find a little goofy is that Mack essentially torpedoed a functional Texas football program when he decided he wanted the Texas offense to look like Alabama. Since that decision was made, the Texas offense has looked like anything but. I guess it's inevitable that the Bama OC ends up in the Texas director's chair. Frankly, I could use more out of my OL. The last 2 games demonstrated next season's potential. If Sark brings Bama's OL coach with him, I wont hate it.
It appears Herman had lost the confidence of his players. Some are eager to retain their position coaches, but none seem real beat up about losing their HC. I believe that Herman had the program trending up, and that last season's coaching changes were needed and correct, but didn't have time to bear fruit under the weird conditions. If the Burnt Orange power brokers handed over $25million to get started, then I'm guessing there were layers to this problem that I didn't know about.
I think this is a good hire. We just gotta get through the tricky period of hiring position coaches and not having all the talent transfer out.