He should enjoy it and relax as much as he can, because a sizable task awaits his return. Obviously, the ideal scenario for a coach taking a new job is to replace someone who finished 3-28 or something similar.
Expectations are low and opportunity high.
There is nowhere to go but up, and any success will be rejoiced. Equally obvious is that to replace a coach who was terrific is nearly as difficult, because any dropoff is blamed on the replacement. Flint was at or above .500 in four of his five seasons, but didn't win quite enough to satisfy administration or fans. Logic dictates that Flint's forced departure means the university thought it could find someone better. Based on circumstances alone, it won't be easy for the new coach to fare better than Flint for the 2001-02 season.