They need to focus on finding someone who will build on and improve the current system. Starting over would be a huge mistake, because even if you get an excellent coach from outside this current scheme they're going to be a 1-2 year stop gap then move on to an HC role somewhere else. And the risk you run with an outside hire is disrupting recruiting and disrupting team production.
You have three potential hires on this staff that could work in collaboration or independently - Quinn, Rees, Taylor. I don't know of any outside hires that could integrate seamlessly.
And despite what has been leaked/publicly stated, this was effectively the 5th game in Rees' audition. They've all been impressive, but what was most impressive to me here was a glimpse towards a better blocking scheme. I'm optimistic about how the line will perform with their two best players back and a year of play calling that doesn't put them in position to fail. One thing Long did really well was red zone play calling and I think red zone efficiency is one area where we could see a drop off.
Here is how Rees did in his 5 games of significant input/control:
Duke - 38 points, solid. Book = 87.5 QBR
Navy - 52 points, absolute destruction. Book = 98.8 QBR
BC - 40 points, solid. Book = 72.2 QBR
Stanford - 45 points, butt kicking after sluggish start. Book = 80.1 QBR
Iowa State - 33 points, by far their worst beat down of the year and ND called off the dogs in the second half because of MOV. Book = 91.0 QBR
The key take away for me is Book and the passing game excelling despite the OL losing their top 2 linemen. He played so much better over the last third of the season because of how the passing game was coordinated. Basically all of his best QBR games against legitimate opponents came over that span, and he played at the level of a Top 10 QB. That increased production is the single best data point to look to say that Rees can absolutely 100% do half of the job. What we don't know for certain is that he can do the second half, but I think that's where you try to lean on someone like Taylor or Quinn. There is no reason to blow everything up and start over.
