i think they're prepared to pay, if they have to (reasonable money, not buzz williams money). but the mid-major coach hypothesis seems pretty likely. some pretty dece options in the region. utep, n. texas, tulsa, wichita st, the other sutton kid.
n. texas guy looks pretty good, has recruited dfw well. has ties to louisiana. add those to a&m's home region of houston - pretty nice base to build a team.