He knows he doesn't have any "good ol boy" connections to MState, so he's trying to do the best job he knows how. That includes getting the best man in here to do the best job possible. Whether it's getting John Cohen over Tommy Raffo, or shitcanning Croom, he knows his resume is only enhanced by moves like this.
His pick for the next football HC may determine how much money he makes as AD at some power university.