you cant expect a HC job without being a coordinator (for the most part). Problem for these guys being a P4 position coach more prestige than a G5 coordinator (and pay)
It can be done. Jim Harbaugh, Urban Meyer, PJ Fleck, Dabo Swinney, Ed Orgeron all did it. Four of those five won National Championships. Two were hired by MAC schools.
I would guess two MAC coaches make more than Deland does right now. Candle and Lance Taylor. P4 coordinators are into five figure/two comma salaries now too. MAC schools and some of the other G5 programs have to get creative with their hires. I'm somewhat surprised more FCS head coaches don't get opportunities. Curt Cignetti is a perfect example of this.
It likely isn't about the money if he wants to run his own program. His age and race lend itself to him having more limited options along with no OC experience. There were 16 Black HC going into this season and two (Walters and Drayton) were fired.