Would it have made the defense any better?

Would the recruiting have been any better since it was expected he would retire after the contract extension?

He gave his blessing to the new coach that the administration hired.

I think most expected the program roster would be rebuilt in the first year. No one expected Fuente to bring a critical recruit like Evans who would propel the program for one year, possibly two if he had stayed. We are where some expected in the first year of Fuente's tenure.