I think it's likely that Bill and John have fought about this for a while, and Leavitt is the only common ground.
Bill wants someone that will keep his staff, coaching AND administrative. At this point, I firmly believe he's hanging on to keep his KSU family employed. He's the tent pole that keeps them getting paid by KSU and in Manhattan. Also, Leavitt would let him keep an office in Vanier and have influence.
I'm with _FAN that a handful of guys are gone when Snyder leaves. But I think a few could come back. Joe Bob, Klein, etc.
I think you could convince Dimel to stay if he got an AHC title and a raise to the 600-700k range.
I'm 100% Venzy, but Jim is the best chance we have to resemble an internal transition. The only major difference would be a change of defensive style. But I think that would be a positive change.