I am 90% sure Gene realizes that hiring NDSU guy will have the appearance that either (1) he did not try hard, (2) he’s completely out of touch with the fan base, or (3) he Littrelly has no better options. If it happens, I’m 99% sure it’s cause #3.
That said, I’m not sure there ever is a scenario where NDSU guy is our best option. If all else fails just find ourselves a Beatty (proven recruiter, total crapshoot of a coach), pay him next to nothing and build up the war chest, and fire him as soon as the next hot prospect comes available.