What messes did he see that he didn't want to clean up? That's the question I'd ask. Is it just football or the state of the Dept. financially that kept him in Tulsa?
For eff's sake, take your pick. Ask yourself this, and be honest, if you were truly the hot up-and-comer would you want to deal with all that? Why, when thwre will be other, better offers at bigger programs (read: football) certain to come if you wait? It never made sense, that's why it really would have the "homerun."